2nd Annual Crabi Gras Hot Sauce & Oyster Festival

Keith Graffius is the store owner of a different kind of hot sauce store which also mixes the culture of the Eastern shore. He wanted to bring a taste of both elements with a special event he sponsored last year. Now going into a 2nd year and with word getting out from last year’s success he is building the event to bigger and better than last year. That even sign on some good music talent for the event to entertain the crowd. Here is what Keith sent to me about the event…

Celebrate the Eastern Shore’s oystering heritage on Saturday, Oct. 13 and Sunday, Oct. 14 during the Second Annual Hot Sauce & Oyster Festival in downtown Cambridge. Set for 2-8 pm on Saturday and 12-6pm on Sunday in the Cannery Way park in the 400 block of Race Street, the event features music, food, libations, and a bottomless supply of the title attraction—Chesapeake oysters and top hot sauces from around the region and the country.

The downtown business Crabi Gras, 432 Race Street, is organizing the event. Owner Keith Graffius has announced that Blackwater and national touring sensation The Nighthawks will be the featured musical entertainers on Saturday, with the Sunday lineup featuring popular radio DJ Big Don O’Brien, Jeff & Anna and Nashville Recording Artists and local legends Bird Dog & The Road Kings.

The event coincides with the monthly Second Saturday festivities in downtown, featuring free gallery receptions, late shopping hours, and more on the blocks surrounding the Hot Sauce & Oyster Festival.

The Hot Sauce & Oyster Festival will be a separate ticketed entry, with a $5 admission charge each day. Proceeds benefit two great causes—the Chesapeake Bay Commercial Fishermens Association and Cambridge Main Street.

Based in Washington, D.C., the Nighthawks have ranked for decades among the premier American roots bands on the concert circuit. Before coming to Cambridge to headline the Saturday edition of the festival, they’ll be performing in half a dozen different European countries. Last year, the Blues Foundation honored the band with its Acoustic Album of the Year award.

A top regional draw, Bird Dog & the Road Kings have been dubbed the “quintessential” Eastern Shore band for its mix of honky tonk, country, and blues styles. “I didn’t make that statement, but we do have a bit of the Shore in us and we’re proud of our heritage,” says band leader Byrd Dog Wheeler.

That devotion to the traditions of the Eastern Shore is the reason Wheeler and the boys signed on to play at the Hot Sauce & Oyster Festival. “The Road Kings and oysters go together!” he says. “We have lots of songs about the Eastern Shore, and oysters are right up the Eastern Shore’s alley. So we had to be a part of this event.”

In addition to oysters, the festival will feature burgers, hot dogs and much more. There will be more than a dozen hot sauces available for sampling and purchasing, as well as contests and other activities. This is a kid friendly event with pumpkin painting available, thanks to Emily’s Produce of Cambridge.

For more information about the Hot Sauce and Oyster Festival on Saturday, October 13 and Sunday, October 14, visit www.cambridgemainstreet.com and http://www.facebook.com/crabigras or contact 410-228-0108 or cr*******@gm***.com.

A little about the Crabi Gras store:

Crabi Gras (French/Eastern Shore meaning “Fat Crab”) is an Eastern Shore State of Mind. The Crabi Gras store brings together two great elements of life, flavoring for food and the love of Eastern Shore culture. At Crabi Gras one will find a whole array of spices, hot sauces, bbq spices, rubs, dips and so much more and from all around! At Crabi Gras you will also discover a splendid celebration of Eastern Shore culture. From our famous “boots” shirts to Muskrat and Crab Trap Christmas Tree ornaments and many other cute and wonderful cultural items. Crabi Gras is proud to serve all the folks of the Eastern Shore; natives, visitors, weekend warriors and everyone in between. So, the next time you pass by Cambridge stop in and say “hi”, tell us where you’re from and enjoy yourself! And be sure to shop at our many other fantastic shops and dine at our great restaurants in our fantastic, historic waterfront town!

Crabi Gras
“An Eastern Shore State of Mind”
432 Race Street
Cambridge, Maryland 21613
cell: 443-477-2189
store: 410-228-0108
email: cr*******@gm***.com
www.crabigras.com
Store Hours:
Monday-Saturday 11:00ish – 5:30ish
Sunday 11:00ish – 2:00ish