Massey Hills Lions Club’s signature event is no ordinary Golden Corral buffet. The Shucking for Sight Oyster Roast has been steadily going on for over a half-century, attracting visitors from all over the nation.

The event will occur on Saturday, Jan. 27, from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at 1613 Camden Road, Fayetteville.

Oyster season is popular in North Carolina, which starts in October and runs through March. Event Coordinator Michael McCaskill is proud to share that the oyster roast is one of the oldest and largest one-day oyster events in the state of North Carolina.

The Massey Hill Lions Club has served the Fayetteville community for over 65 years. One of the club’s primary functions is to serve people with eye problems.

The club helps with screenings, eye exams and glasses, with helping restore their sight, and with purchasing an eye dog, McCaskill shared. According to the club’s website, the Lions Club also hosts other noteworthy events: local homeless feedings, an annual golf tournament, a senior legion baseball team and community/club clean-up.

The Massey Hill Lions Club is looking to draw a large crowd.

“Last year, we sold 560 tickets. This year, we’re trying to expand things, selling 750 tickets. We increased the size of the tents to accommodate folks and give them a little more elbow room,” McCaskill states.

This all-you-can-eat event will leave not only bellies full of steamy oysters but also hearts full of joy in this family reunion-like environment. McCaskill, who describes the event as family camaraderie, shared that it is an atmosphere where guests can be reacquainted with one another and make new friends.

“Generations of people have continued to come back for 51 years to participate in this event. They’re not only like having a good time, but bringing a community spirit,” he said to Up and Coming Weekly.

Steaming the oysters is a process. The oysters are unloaded off the truck, cleaned, steamed, placed in the basket, delivered once done, and dumped on the table for guests to feast on. Guests can stand while eating. The event will also have chairs to accommodate guests who choose to sit and eat.

“We will keep bringing the buckets to the tables until they tell us
to stop,” he stated.

Buckets of tongs and other tools will be on deck for guests to crack open the shells. Just the joy of the gathering makes McCaskill’s heart smile. He shared that he enjoys watching guests come for this celebratory feast, jokingly referring to them as professional oyster eaters.

In addition, the Lions Club will provide butter, sausages, hushpuppies, tea, and water to enjoy with their oysters.

“If they leave hungry, it’s their fault because we feed them oysters as long as they want to eat,” McCaskill said jokingly.

The best part of this event is the deeply rooted community connection, with generations of guests continuing to support and participate in the event. “The Massey Hill community in general, has always been close-knit. Many families, including my own and many of the other members’ families, grew up in the Massey Hill area and worked at the mills that used to be prevalent throughout that area,” McCaskill said.

Oysters may be broken, but the lifelong legacy of this event, now 51 years strong, is an unbreakable and continuous bond.

Ticket Information

Tickets are advanced ticket sales only (no door ticket sales) and cost $50 per person. Don’t wait until the last minute! Please get your tickets soon before they sell out.

There are many ways to purchase tickets. Tickets can be purchased from any Lions Club Member by visiting the Massey Hill Lions Club on Saturday, Jan. 13th, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., by email at masseyhillionsclub@gmail.com, or at the following site locations: Massey Hill Drug Store at 1072 Southern Avenue; and Classic Coiffures at 3710 Morganton Road. Interested sponsors can also contact the Massey Hill Lions Club if interested in sponsorship.