FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Rocky Mount Area Chamber of Commerce Celebrates Successful 32nd Annual Shrimp & Oyster Roast Presented by Brightspeed

Rocky Mount, NC – October 21, 2024 – The Rocky Mount Area Chamber of Commerce proudly hosted its 32nd Annual Shrimp & Oyster Roast, presented by Brightspeed, on Thursday, October 17, 2024, at Smith’s Pavilion of Dortches. This year’s event was the best attended in its history, drawing over 530 guests to enjoy a night of great food, entertainment, and camaraderie with the community.

The evening was filled with delicious food catered by Leon Nixon Catering and Murray L. Nixon Fishery, Inc., who served fresh oysters, shrimp, fried fish, chicken strips, and classic Southern sides. Sparkling Creations transformed the venue with their impressive 40x100 clear-top tent and a memorable lit-up "Oyster Roast" sign, creating a picture-perfect backdrop. The tent offered a warm and welcoming atmosphere. With The Luxury Outhouse, providing a fancy portable restroom facility that provided a comfortable and stylish solution for guests on the chilly night. 

Lively entertainment by Liquid Pleasure kept the energy high, as the band performed a range of popular genres, getting everyone up and dancing throughout the night.

Community Contributions

At the event, NCNGA Executive Director Christine Todd acknowledged the efforts of local businesses and the community for their substantial contributions and aid delivered to Western North Carolina. A 50/50 raffle fundraiser and "Ride for a Cause" event raised over $1,000 for the Tarheel Minuteman Foundation. The fundraiser featured a crowd-favorite mechanical bull, courtesy of Sparkling Creations, with strong participation from attendees. Special thanks went to Daniel Howerton at ClearVue Window Cleaning and Jet Hatu at Elite Overhead Garage Doors, Inc. for organizing the 50/50 raffle and coordinating the delivery of over 60 pallets of supplies donated by Rocky Mount businesses.

Event Highlights

This annual Shrimp & Oyster Roast is the Chamber’s premier signature event, offering a unique opportunity for networking, community building, and local support. The evening's feast included oysters, coleslaw, shrimp, chicken tenders, catfish, and sweet tea, enjoyed at high-top oyster tables and under the warm glow of tents and lights.

The Rocky Mount Area Chamber of Commerce extends its gratitude to everyone who attended, and we’re already looking forward to seeing you at next year’s Oyster Roast on October 16, 2025. Mark your calendars!

Event Sponsors

This community event was made possible thanks to the support of our amazing sponsors:

• Presenting Sponsor: Brightspeed
• Host Sponsor: Smith's Pavilion of Dortches
• Tent Sponsor: Sparkling Creations
• Entertainment Sponsor: Bailey's Fine Jewelry
• Soft Drink Sponsor: ClearVue Window Cleaning
• Beer & Wine Sponsor: Carolina Eagle Distributing
• Legacy Sponsor: Boddie-Noell Enterprises
• Anchor Sponsor: Carrollton of Nash
• Gas Sponsor: Daughtridge Gas and Oil

Blue Point Sponsors

• Don Bulluck CHEVROLET
• Joey Griffin Kia
• JoynerKeeny PLLC
• Southern Bank
• Lilyann’s Steakhouse
• Wolf X-Ray
• First Carolina Bank
• Davenport Autopark
• Seegars Fence Company
• Simmons and Harris Inc.
• Truist
• State Farm Nash County
• Maness Motors, LLC
• East Industries
• Rocky Mount Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram
• All Star Waste Containers, Inc.
• Compleat Kidz - Pediatric Therapy
• Oakley Collier Architects
• NextEra Energy Resources
• City of Rocky Mount, NC Gov. Offices
• Rocky Mount Event Center
• Station Square Rocky Mount NC
• Cummins Rocky Mount Engine Plant
• Providence Bank
• Coldwell Banker Allied Real Estate
• Top Dog Waste Solutions
• SERVPRO of Rocky Mount & Tarboro
• PNC Bank
• Capital Ford Lincoln of Rocky Mount
• Capital Outdoor Advertising
• Word Tabernacle Church

Pearl Sponsor

• Foot & Ankle Institute of the Carolinas

Half-Shell Sponsors

• Rocky Mount Medical Park Pharmacy, Poppies Bakeries, Standard Insurance, LS Cable & LS Systems