Organisers are encouraging locals to participate as stall holders with an emphasis on local produce or food produced locally.

Narooma Oyster Festival manager and chamber of commerce president Orit Karny-Winters said the oyster festival was crucial to the economic survival of Narooma.

“It makes about $500,000 to the community of Narooma and its surrounds, and every dollar spent will be seven times spent within the community,” she said.

“We’ve taken it a step further by encouraging our local producers and prime producers to participate therefore creating a bigger circle of strength.

“This year we would like to see a fresh twist on our cooking demonstrations by possibly creating competitions between our local chefs around local oysters and produce.”

The festival leverages off popular interest in sustainable food and cooking from the continuing success of River Cottage Australia and local producers, and highlights the region’s oyster growing industry.

“Our event has broad appeal, also including live bands, a talent quest, the arts, a fishing rod casting competition, business decorations, a street parade, a variety of kids’ activities, boat tours around oyster leases and scenic float plane flights over the beautiful Wagonga Inlet,” she said.

Other items and activities being planned include displays of classic and fun vehicles, with support from some regional car clubs, while Saturday evening will include a rock and roll party for everyone at Club Narooma.

“The festival is an economic initiative,” Ms Karny Winters said.

“It aims to attract visitors to our region at a traditionally slow time and to showcase our industries, community, lifestyle and tourism opportunities. 

The festival has been fixed in the future to occur on the first Saturday in May each year. 

This will ensure that it does not clash with Easter or the school holidays and makes it easier for visitors to plan their trips to Narooma in advance. 

The festival will rely entirely on volunteers to stage annually and its ongoing success will be a result of the continuing broad community and business support and participation.

A huge effort is being put into engaging the broader community of Narooma by making the day a fun day for the whole town and surrounding areas.”