CAMDEN — A near 60-degree day, the harbor in fall splendor, freshly shucked Maine oysters, a beer garden and live music on the Wharf — could there be any more quintessential Maine elements to come together?

For the last three years, Lyman Morse has held a beer festival on its wharf on Camden Harbor This year, the boatyard kicked it up a notch by adding oyster farmers. The 4th Annual Camden Oyster & Beer Festival took place Sunday, October 11, from noon to 4 p.m. at The Wharf at Lyman-Morse. 

Oyster companies spread out under tents along the wharf included OystHERS Raw Bar & Bubbly, Aphrodite Oysters, Deer Isle Oyster Company, Eros Oyster, Bombazine Oyster Company, and Islesboro Oyster Co.

Freshly shucked oysters averaged about $4 per oyster, with cooked versions of Oyster Rockefeller also available from some vendors. 

OystHERS Raw Bar co-owner Lauren Crosby and her team sold out of their entire inventory of oysters that day.

"Our favorite part was the scenery," she said. "Being on the harbor with the Camden Hills to the left of us was really special. We were not expecting that amount of people to show up. And because there were some wait times and the lines got long, the kindness of the people stood out for us." 

In the beer garden were  Stone Alley Brewing Company, Marshall Wharf Brewing Company, Mast Landing Brewing Co., and Orono Brewing Company. Alison Feibel from the Maine Aquaculture Association also had a table. 

"I thought it was a fun, relaxing event on a Sunday," said Nick Gaulin, representing Orono Brewing Co. "I like getting to meet all the people who come to the event and hearing feedback on our beer."

"This was my first time doing the festival with the oyster vendors there," echoed Gabe, representing Mast Landing Brewing Co. "Talking with people about beer is the fun part of the job. Having cold beer and fresh oysters on the Maine coast is pretty unique; I don't think many festivals have all three elements like that: it's so Maine." 

The beer garden ticket cost $20 and included 12 pours in four-ounce cups among the various offerings from the breweries. 

"This was our biggest Oyster Festival yet, with more than 1,000 people coming through The Wharf," said Crystal Longo, vice president of hospitality at Lyman-Morse. "It continues to grow every year, but for me, the bigger story is what that attendance can do for Maine oyster farmers and the small businesses across our waterfront. More than 1,000 people had an opportunity to meet Maine oyster farmers, taste what they grow, and hopefully leave knowing the names of farms they’ll continue to support. 

She continued: "A huge part of why we do this is supporting Maine aquaculture. Oyster farming is incredibly difficult work. Farmers spend years growing a product while dealing with weather, changing water conditions, rising costs, and all of the challenges that come with making a living on a working waterfront. There is so much time, labor, and genuine care behind every oyster that gets handed across that counter."

By 2 p.m., the wharf filled up with people mingling and enjoying the waterfront. Even those who don't love oysters and beer had other food and drink options available.

"The other piece I love is how an event like this supports the whole wharf," said Longo. "Guests could have a drink at Barren’s Distillery and Restaurant, stay at the Crew Quarters, grab coffee at Vacationland, get an amazing cheese and wine spread from Camden Charcuterie, and eat at Salt Wharf."

It felt, in part, like a mini Key West — light and friendly — and epitomized Maine culture at its finest. 

Kay Stephens can be reached at news@penbaypilot.com