Whether you're looking for a Saint Patrick's parade, live Irish music, or of course, the titular treat, the Rocky Mountain Oyster Fry in Virginia City has a lot to offer.
This year, over a dozen cooks competed to make the best out of a local delicacy which despite the name, does not come from the ocean. Virginia City's Director of Tourism said the oysters themselves started off as "leftovers."
“During calving season and branding season, and then there's the castration to make bulls into steers,” Todd Tuttle said. “They didn't really know what to do with what was left over. And that just kind of turned into this opportunity to see how well you can cook something and how they taste.”
One patron says the festival's become a family tradition for the last 15 years.
"We'll run around here and eat some of the nastiest things you've ever tasted. or, sometimes they're pretty good,” said Chad Yount. "It's always a big family event for us. and dancing around and costume contests.">
The St. Paddy’s Day parade rolled through town around noon, and folks took advantage of the all-day saloon crawl.
All the while, cooks went at it in a fierce competition -- but they still had fun with it.
One chef said she's raising money to send her "leprechaun hunters" -- students at the Academy of Arts, Careers, and Technology -- to nationals.
"This year we're going to Washington, D.C. and Atlanta, Georgia. So, we're really excited and we're really trying to get our kids there so they can experience this wonderful event,” said Josette Jensen.
The “leprechaun hunters” made a blue corn and charcoal masa cup that tastes just like a taco.
Of course, you can't have the oyster fry without the iconic eggs rolls from "Nut Up or Shut Up.” Their chefs said you can enjoy anything at the event if you have an open mind.
"Don't be afraid just because they say they're bull balls. you'll never know if you didn't know,” Donna Eichhorn said.
Alin Beane tasted some of the unique offerings at this year's event.
