Virginia City welcomes foodies from far and wide to get a little nutty at its 34th annual Rocky Mountain Oyster Fry on Saturday, March 15, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. As one of the largest St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in the west, this weird and wacky event features a savory variety of Rocky Mountain Oyster dishes, a St. Paddy Made Me Do It Saloon Crawl with festive drinks, a St. Patrick’s Day parade, costume contests and live Irish music throughout the day.
This downright ballsy festival also invites adventurous cooks to showcase their creativity in preparing the delicacy, with competitions awarding titles for ‘Best Of’ and ‘People’s Choice.’ Tickets are now on sale and available here.
“Virginia City’s Rocky Mountain Oyster Fry is more than just a food festival – it’s a testament to our community’s knack for keeping with tradition while encouraging fun and creativity,” said Todd Tuttle, tourism director for Virginia City. “With multiple activities throughout the day and plenty of merchant shops to visit along the way, this event is truly one of a kind and we encourage visitors to join us for a day of great food, festive music and community charm.”
At the heart of the celebration is the Rocky Mountain Oyster Fry, where chefs go balls-to-the-wall to serve up their most daring and delicious renditions. Featuring categories like ‘Best Overall,’ ‘Most Creative’ and ‘People’s Choice,’ attendees can sample the goods, savor the weirdness and cast their votes for the top testicle treats. For those looking for some shamrock-filled fun and to explore Virginia City’s historic saloons, the St. Paddy Made Me Do It Saloon Crawl kicks off at 11 a.m.
Crawl participants receive specialty drinks and designated drivers are offered special cups to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all. The celebration wouldn’t be complete without the St. Patrick’s Day Parade.
At noon, C Street becomes a sea of green as floats, marching bands and costumed participants parade through Virginia City. Attendees are encouraged to wear their most festive attire, with opportunities to join the costume contest and fully embrace the St. Patrick’s Day spirit.
For more information about 34th annual Rocky Mountain Oyster Fry and St. Patrick’s Day festivities, head to visitvirginiacitynv.com, call the Virginia City Tourism Commission at 775-847-7500 or follow them on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
