Virginia City goes nuts in March with 27th Rocky Mountain Oyster Fry, St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Northern Nevada’s first big event of the season takes place on St. Patrick’s Day this year. The 27th annual Rocky Mountain Oyster Fry returns to historic Virginia City, Nev. on Saturday, March 17 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Each year, more than 7,000 people fill the streets to have some tasty testes prepared by over a dozen cooks all competing to claim the winning title and bragging rights.
“The Rocky Mountain Oyster Fry is one of the first major events in northern Nevada. We’re all emerging from winter and people are ready to get out,” Deny Dotson, Tourism Director for the Virginia City Tourism Commission, said. “This year the event actually lands on St. Patrick’s Day, so we are getting ready to host one of the best celebrations around.”
Since the event falls on March 17 this year, the Oyster Fry will also include Virginia City’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade, the Ball Breaker Saloon Crawl, a costume contest and Irish music. For the first time this year, the parade begins at 10 a.m. Immediately following the parade, the green-striped C Street closes for the remainder of the day.
During the Oyster Fry, cooks compete in a balls-out competition serving fried, chopped, grilled or sautéed beef testicles all while making you forget what you’re eating. Over $2,500 in prizes are given to the Best Overall Professional, Best Overall Amateur, Best Presentation, Most Creative Dish and People’s Choice.
Tasting tickets start at $7 for three samples or 10 samples for $15. New this year are the “Very Important Baller” (VIB) ticket options which grant front of line access and are the fast pass to showing friends how brave you really are.
Take a break from all the nutty fun and crawl back in time with the Ballbreaker Saloon Crawl presented by Cemetery Gin. Purchase a cup for $20 in advance online or $25 at the event and take a tour of more than 10 saloons.
Sponsors for this year’s Oyster Fry include: New West Distributing, Coors Light, Dolan Auto Group, Bucket of Blood Saloon, and Camelot Party Rentals. For tickets and information visit us online.
For more information on Virginia City, Nevada, or the Rocky Mountain Oyster Fry visit VisitVirginiaCityNV.com or call the Virginia City Tourism Commission (VCTC) at 775-847-7500.
A short 30-minute drive from the Reno-Tahoe International Airport takes visitors to one of the largest historic districts in the Unites States - Virginia City, Nevada. Come experience this mining “boomtown” as it was in the 1800’s. Step back in time while visiting the numerous historic buildings, saloons, churches and museums or take a mine tour or even ride a real steam train.
The Comstock Adventure Passes offer the best value with discounted attraction packages. For lodging, event calendar or Comstock Adventure Passes, visit online or call 775-847-7500. The Visitor Information Center is located at 86 South C Street, Virginia City.
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