It is ironic that shellfish often tastes best in the cooler months when the crowds are gone from the shore.

That’s the best times to head out to Wellfleet, Cape Cod, for the annual OysterFest. Now in its tenth year, the festival on October 16 and 17 (Columbus Day weekend), is a celebration of all things oyster. It is run by Wellfleet Shellfish Promotion and Tasting (SPAT), a non-profit organization that distributes scholarships and grants to the community.

The OysterFest includes an oyster shuck-off competition, local cuisine, arts and crafts, and children’s activities. There is also live music, and walking tours of Wellfleet. While you are there try to see an oyster shack:

The first award for $2,000, was made to the Wellfleet Historical Commission to enable it to restore one of the last remaining oyster shacks that was generously given to the town by the Burgess Family and now sits at Mayo Beach. Oyster shacks dotted Duck Creek and the marina area back in the heyday of Wellfleet’s wild oyster fishery. They were used by shellfishermen to cull and shuck oysters for market. This shack belonged to Earle Rich, shellfisherman, author and Wellfleet historian.

Who knows, maybe the Indian summer will remain with us long enough to soak up some sun on Wellfleet’s lovely beaches, too.