Comstock adjusts self for Virginia City's return of Rocky Mountain Oyster Fry, limited tickets available
Submitted by Jeff Munson on Wed, 02/17/2021 - 10:38am
Event Date:
March 13, 2021 (All day)
Virginia City is known for having balls — and they are back with the 30th annual Rocky Mountain Oyster Fry, set for March 13, 2021. The classic St. Patrick’s Day celebration of Irish and Basque heritage is happening, but with major modifications to accommodate current guidelines. But one thing is for certain, this original sack lunch doesn’t hold back.
This year’s Oyster Fry is not our typical a street party, but instead takes over the entire town and combines the best of both worlds — Rocky Mountain Oyster tastings and an Irish-themed sampling tour of historic locations. More than 15 of Virginia City’s merchants, saloons and restaurants are offering drinks or treats and 10 more locations will be serving up tasty balls for a day of delicious food, drink and fun we’ve all been craving.
This one is exclusive so you’ll want to purchase your tickets in advance because when it sells out, it sells out. There are a limited number of tickets available in order to ensure safety guidelines are followed. Unfortunately, no walk-up sales will be allowed on the day of.
And since this celebrates St. Patrick’s Day, be sure to show your green and prepare to have a balls to the wall good time.
Tickets are $45 and include samples at all locations, both specialty drinks and balls. This is a 21 and older event.
HOW IT WORKS
Each ticket is $45 and must be purchased in advance online.
Show up with your ID and check-in at Piper’s Opera House beginning at 10 a.m. Saturday, March 13.
You’ll receive one tasting ticket for each of the 10 Rocky Mountain Oyster Fry cooks. These cooks will be spread out throughout town, located outside saloons, restaurants and merchants throughout Virginia City. To help prevent congregation at each location, each ticket is specific to a cook, so there is just one tasting per location. You’ll also receive a map identifying where these locations are.
For non “ball” samples, including alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages and sweet treats, you’ll receive a wristband. Show this band to participating locations to receive your sample drink or treat.
Take your tasting tickets, your wristband and map and go on a tour of Virginia City, sampling balls, drinks and treats along the way! Be sure you’re following precautions including wearing your mask when not eating or drinking, and maintain physical distancing whenever possible.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Since this event is a whole new structure for 2021 to accommodate for COVID precautions, here’s a list of some frequently asked questions.
Can I bring my family?
Yes, families are always welcome in Virginia City. However, please note that several of the sample locations are bars and saloons where you must be 21 and over to enter.
Do I have to purchase a ticket for everyone attending, even if they aren’t sampling?
No, anyone can join you and just not participate in the sampling. Please remember there are current restrictions on occupancy for all businesses and our merchants appreciate all patrons being aware of their time spent inside each location.
Can I share my tasting tickets with a friend if I only purchase one ticket?
Yes, tastings for Rocky Mountain Oysters are able to be shared. Be aware that each ticket provides only one tasting ticket per location. Sweet treats and beverage samples will be based on who is wearing the wrist band.
How many “balls” do I get for my ticket?
You’ll receive one tasting for each of the 10 Oyster Cooks. In addition, you’ll receive a sample drink or sweet treat at each of 15 other participating locations throughout town.
Is there a parade this year?
There will be a cruise down C Street. While we ask that people don’t congregate along the boardwalk, everyone is encouraged to drive through Virginia City and participate in the cruise. The cruise runs from 12 to 1 p.m. and line-up starts at the Fourth Ward School, located at the junction of U.S. Routes 342 and 341 at C Street, starting at 11 a.m. There will be no walking groups allowed.
Why is there only one ticket option?
In order to adhere to current state occupancy guidelines, there is only one option so we can adequately manage the number of participants in each location.
Where do I go to check-in?
Check-in is at Piper’s Opera House, located at 12 B Street, Virginia City, beginning at 10 a.m.
Is there merchandise available for purchase?
Yes! All your favorite Rocky Mountain Oyster Fry shirts, hats, sweatshirts and more will be available for purchase at the merchandise booth in the Bucket of Blood parking lot.
What happens if the event has to be canceled and I’ve already purchased my tickets?
We’re confident this event will go on, rain or shine. However, if the worst-case scenario happens and we do need to cancel due to circumstances outside our control, tickets will be refunded.
Are vendors allowed to set up booths this year?
No, there will be no vendor booths this year.
Check-in begins at 10 a.m. at Piper’s Opera House where ticket holders will receive one of three different maps sending them on Virginia City’s Rocky Mountain Oyster Fry sampling tour. The sampling tour ends at 4 p.m.
Make a weekend of it! View our lodging options and book before rooms sell out.
Click here to purchase tickets.
