32nd Rocky Mountain Oyster Fest kicks off today in Virginia City
The 32nd annual Rocky Mountain Oyster Fest is here, serving up the best in the old west delicacy.
The Rocky Mountain Oyster Fry is the state's largest St. Patricks Day celebration, according to Virginia City Tourism.
Rocky Mountain Oysters doesn't actually include any oysters; at least, not the kind you'd expect. The tradition dates back to early expansion of European settlers who came to the West and realized they would need to be thrifty if they were to survive the harsh, high desert environments, and so they never wasted any part of an animal if they could help it. Rocky Mountain Oysters are a term used for fried bull testicles!
And so was birthed the Rocky Mountain Oyster, which later begat the Rocky Mountain Oyster Festival in Virginia City.
Each year around St. Paddy’s Day, tourists pour into the comstock, donning green and snacking on old west delicacies.
Those who love to celebrate but are maybe less adventurous with their cuisine can still participate with the Ballbreaker Saloon Crawl, which includes numerous selections of food and drink at Virginia City's historic saloons.
New in 2023, the saloons are competing for the best Irish-themed drink and your vote for the inaugural People’s Choice Award.
The fun runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. today, Saturday March 11.