Shuckers and Chowders in PEI

Philine spent the first days of her research trip to Prince Edward Island/Epekwitk volunteering at its famous Shellfish Festival. From welcoming guests and handing out “Shellfish Bucks” to assisting chefs backstage during the Potato Chowder Competition, she got to know the island’s relationship to and with shellfish from a plethora of different angles. Oysters and lobster were clearly the edible stars of the show as people watched professional shuckers battle each other on stage while indulging in mussels and beer—and, occasionally, while sporting lobster headgear. Being a part of the event and not only a guest catapulted Philine head-on into the world of shellfish. Perhaps one of her favorite slogans, spotted on more than one festivalgoer’s cap, summarizes the experience better than any photograph: “bad day to be an oyster.”