Aw Shucks!
On Sunday, June 27, 2027 at 12 noon join us to watch the pros throw down in their own shucking contest on L.L.Bean’s Discovery Park Stage. They will each be given two dozen oysters and this time it’s not just the fastest time that counts. For the pros, it’s also about the quality of their shucks. A judge will inspect their finished product and add time on for any penalties according to the chart below.
PENALTIES. Judges will add seconds to shucking time accordingly:
(1) An oyster not completely severed from shell ……….………….add 3 seconds
(2) An oyster presented on a broken shell……………….…………….add 1 second
(3) An oyster presented with grit or other foreign substance……….add 3 seconds
(4) A cut oyster………………………………………………………..….add 3 seconds
(5) An oyster not placed properly in the shell………………………add 2 seconds
(6) A missing oyster……………………………………………………..add 20 seconds
BONUS. Judges may (optionally) award a bonus reduction of ten (10) seconds as an
award for a tray whose presentation is deemed outstanding.
2026 Results:
THE BIG SHUCK 2026 PARTICIPANT PROFILES
Kelly Punch, Marketing & Events Director, Mere Point Oyster Farm
Kelly has a long history in the hospitality industry and the competitive shucking scene. She has done a little bit of everything! From shucking oysters, to helping the farm crew on the water, to managing successful restaurants and catering teams. As the Marketing and Events Director for Mere Point Oyster Company (one of the largest farms in Maine), she has contributed immensely to growing a renowned Maine brand. Her focus has lead to new business opportunities like engaging oyster farm tours, reliable full-service catering, unique raw bar experiences, and educational shucking lessons. Whether you are looking to have some fun on the water or learn how to shuck, Kelly will take care of you!
Chad Michael Egeland
My name is Chad Egeland, I’ve been the raw bar sous chef at Scales restaurant in Portland, Maine for the past 8 years.
Oyster shucking was a new concept to me 10 years ago and Scales is the place I’ve honed my skills. I’ve grown with the opportunity to teach others the proper way to shuck, enjoy, appreciate what it means to care about the farmers hard work.
I’ve competed in oyster shucking events for 8 years and no matter the results, it will always be about learning and growing within this community of so many unbelievable individuals.
- 3 trips to the national oyster shucking championship in Maryland 2019/2022/2023, placed top 15-18
- 2 trips to Wellfleet OysterFest, placed 3rd in 2023 and 4th in 2024
- 4 trips to the Pemaquid Festival, placed 1st in 2023, 2nd 2019 and 2024, 3rd 2018, and 5th in 2017
- Placed 2nd at Riras shuck off 2017/2019
- Placed 1st at the Philadelphia Shuck Off in 2025 and 2nd in 2024
- Placed 6th in the Damariscotta Oyster Celebration 2019
Firat Kozan – Yeti Boys Food Truck | New Harbor, ME
Fırat Kozan is the co-owner of Yeti Boys Food Truck, stationed at Glidden Point Oyster Farms, and provides raw bar services throughout Maine. A former shucker at Street & Co. and Eventide Oyster Co., he has been shucking oysters for the past three years.
If interested in competing in the 2027 The Big Shuck, complete the interest indicator below.