NEGATIVE # josephm 204352--SLUG: SM/FESTIVAL--DATE-10/19/08-- Leonardtown, Maryland-PHOTOGRAPHER-MARVIN JOSEPH/TWP-- Folks attending the 42nd Annual St. Mary's County Oyster Festival. Where oysters are served up raw, scalded, grilled on the barbie, on bread, on the half shell, stewed, nude, cooked in savory sauces, in salads, even in desserts, just about every way imaginable and then some. The idea of the oyster festival was first hatched back in 1967 when the Lexington Park Rotary Club was looking for a project in which the entire membership could involve itself for the good of all concerned. In addition to the members involvement, the festival had three main objectives: Promote a weekend of fun, food and fellowship in a rural atmosphere. Promote the bounties of life in this land of pleasant living, especially St. MaryՕs County oysters, as an attraction to visitors. Provide funds to benefit the charities of the various participating service and civic organizations. PICTURED, Ray Wells shucks open grilled oysters for customers at the 42nd Annual St. Mary's County Oyster Festival.