As the sun dips below the horizon and the vibrant streets of New Orleans come alive with the sounds of jazz and the tantalizing scent of Creole cuisine, there’s one event on the calendar that outshines them all: the Shell-A-Bration! I’m Karen Brem, the marketing director for the charming New Orleans Guest House, and I’m here to give you the inside scoop on the most shuck-tastic event of the year, happening on March 22, 2024, from 7 PM to 10 PM.
Now, I know what you’re thinking: “Another event in New Orleans? What’s so special about this one?” Well, my dear oyster aficionados and party enthusiasts, this isn’t just any gathering. This is the Shell-A-Bration, an evening dedicated to our slippery little friends from the sea, all in the spirit of giving back to the delicious cause of oyster shell recycling. And believe me, it’s more fun than finding a pearl in your appetizer!
Hosted in the heart of our beloved city, a mere stone’s throw from the intoxicating allure of the French Quarter, the Shell-A-Bration is a feast for the senses. Imagine swaying to the soulful tunes of Louis Michot, his fiddle serenading you as you sip on an ice-cold Abita beer. Picture yourself indulging in the freshest oysters, their briny goodness a perfect match for the array of delectable local fare. It’s a night where the air is thick with laughter, music, and the unmistakable aroma of New Orleans cooking.
But it’s not just about indulging in gastronomic delights and toe-tapping music. This event packs a meaningful punch, supporting the Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana’s Oyster Shell Recycling Program. For a decade, this initiative has been turning the remnants of our oyster feasts into thriving reefs and habitats along our precious coastline. So, every slurp and every sip at the Shell-A-Bration contributes to preserving the very environment that gifts us these marine treasures.
As we celebrate the 10th anniversary of this fantastic event, it’s heartwarming to see the community come together for a cause that’s as local as it gets. Our city’s eateries, including those that you’ve likely savored a dozen or two in, gather their oyster shells for a grander purpose. These shells embark on a journey from plate to coastline, becoming the building blocks for new oyster habitats. It’s a beautiful cycle of life, one that we’re proud to support and celebrate.
And what’s a celebration without a little competitive spirit? The Shell-A-Bration features door prizes that’ll have you crossing your fingers tighter than a clamshell, along with a silent auction that’s as silent as… well, an oyster. But don’t worry, the fun and games are as loud and lively as our spirited city.
Now, let’s talk brass tacks. General Admission is a mere $75.00 for adults, and for the little shuckers 12 and under, it’s just $12.00. It’s an evening of endless enjoyment, all for a cause that’ll make your heart (and stomach) swell with pride.
If you’re joining us from out of town, or even if you’re a local looking for a cozy staycation, the New Orleans Guest House is at your service. We’re just a hop, skip, and a jump from the French Quarter, offering clean, affordable accommodations and a staff warmer than a bowl of gumbo on a cold day. We can’t promise you the world, but we can promise you a comfy bed, a friendly smile, and maybe a story or two about the quirky characters that make our city the treasure it is.
So, if you’re an oyster lover, a music enthusiast, or simply someone who enjoys a good time for a great cause, join us at the Shell-A-Bration. It’s a night where every shuck counts, and every laugh contributes to the preservation of our beloved coastal heritage. Let’s raise a shell to the past ten years and to many more Shell-A-Brations to come. Cheers, y’all!
For information on accommodations please visit neworleansguest.house or phone us directly at (504)566-1177.