The Massey Hill Lions Club is holding its annual “Shucking for Sight” Oyster Roast on Jan. 25 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Massey Hill Lions Center at 1613 Camden Rd. The all-you-can-eat roast is one of the oldest one-day roasts on the East Coast, and this year marks its 52nd annual event. 

This year, the oysters will be selected from Chesapeake Bay, and they will be served alongside the usual oyster roast fare.

“Along with the ‘All You Can Eat’ oysters, Lions members provide freshly made hush puppies and will provide crackers and all the typical sauces such as Tabasco, horseradish, and butter that oyster aficionados enjoy,” said Mike McCaskill, President of the Massey Hill Lions Club. 

Tea and water will be provided at the event, and attendees are welcome to bring additional sauces and drinks. McCaskill encourages eventgoers to bring their own shucking knives and towels.

The Massey Hill Lions Oyster Roast started approximately in 1971. In 2020, the roast was postponed due to the high cost and availability of oysters, and in 2021, the event was again put on hold due to Covid restrictions. Since then, however, the event has continued to grow.

“Approximately 625 tickets were sold last year. We have printed 750 tickets for this year’s event, as demand for the event continues to soar,” McCaskill said. 

The roast isn’t just about oysters and yummy food, however. The “Shucking for Sight” Oyster Roast is a fundraiser to help the community. The Massey Hill Lions Club has been in operation for over 65 years, and during that time the service club has helped the community through projects and donations. The annual oyster roast is a way for them to raise funds to continue their mission: We serve.

“Last year, our Club made a $34,000 donation from Oyster Roast proceeds for the renovation of the Lions Cottage at the Boys and Girls Home in Lake that has just recently been completed. This was the first significant renovation of the home since it was built in 1960 for at-risk and distressed youth,” said McCaskill. “Funds raised go toward providing visual assistance for those in need to include eye examinations, eyeglass purchases, and eye surgeries for local residents. Funds are also used to provide support to the homeless, as well as Disaster Relief for Western North Carolina.”

Lions Clubs International is a service organization with over 46,000 local clubs and 1.4 million members worldwide. It is the world’s largest service club organization, and the Massey Hill Lions Club proudly showcases their commitment to service within the Fayetteville community.

“As with each event, we look forward to seeing the many supporters return for a great time and great oysters,” said McCaskill. “This is truly a community gathering where generations of friends and family gather. Whether they are first time attendees or they’re ‘professional’ oyster shuckers that have attended for decades, no one walks away on an empty stomach! The event requires a lot of effort and support from current and former Lions, as well as family and friends who volunteer their time, but to see the smiles on people’s faces, to hear the laughter and conversations inside the tent, and to know that the event keeps the spirit of the Massey Hill community alive, makes it all worthwhile!”

Tickets are on sale until Jan. 17 for $50 per person. No tickets will be sold at the door. Tickets can be purchased at the Massey Hill Drugstore Pharmacy at 1072 Southern Ave., Classic Coiffures Hair and Nail Salon at 3710 Morganton Rd., or by emailing maseyhilllionsclub@gmail.com.