Minister of Tourism and Culture Robert Henderson and Minister of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Rural Development Ron MacKinley offer congratulations to the ten-person team that set the Guinness World Record for most oysters shucked in an hour last night at the Tyne Valley Oyster Festival.

“It was an incredibly exciting event enjoyed by everyone in attendance,” said Minister Henderson. “The organizers and the team deserve this recognition for all the work they did to make it happen. The setting of this record on the 50th anniversary of the event will raise the profile of the festival for years to come.”

The record-setting team included members from across Canada and Prince Edward Island. They were Patrick McMurray, Jeff Noye, Janet Hardy Callaghan, Eamon Clark, Simeron Novak, Josh Bishop, Philip Ho, Daniel Notkin, Mike Langley and Jesse Papastavros. Together they shucked 8,840 oysters in an hour easily surpassing the previous record of 8,472 held by a team in France.

“It is only fitting that the world record for shucking the most oysters in one hour was broken here in Prince Edward Island, home of the world famous Malpeque oyster,” said Minister of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Rural Development Ron MacKinley. “Congratulations to all the shuckers, organizers and volunteers that made this great event happen here at the Tyne Valley Oyster Festival.”

The festival continues today with the Canadian Oyster Shucking Championships at the Tyne Valley Sports Centre. Doors open at 6:30 pm. Nine of the world record team members will compete in the Championships.

The Rock the Boat Festival, which is sponsored by the PEI 2014 Fund, begins Saturday at 2 p.m. at Green Park in Port Hill. Entertainers include Allan Doyle, Jimmy Rankin, Blue Rodeo, Megan Blanchard and Gordie MacKeeman and His Rhythm Boys.

For further information on the Festival visit www.peioysterfest.com.