MARION — A shell of a good time!

The Sippican Lands Trust held its third annual Oyster Fest fundraiser on Saturday, Sept. 18 at the Benjamin Cushing Center, serving up fresh oysters on the half shell as well as lobster rolls, clam chowder, and woodfired pizza.

The event, which also featured a cash bar and live music from local band Retro Roots, was bustling shortly after beginning at 2 p.m. and event organizers estimated that about 200 tickets had been sold.

“This is our big annual fundraiser,” said SLT Executive Director Jim Bride. “We’re really excited about the event.”

The Lands Trust hopes to raise over $5,000 from Oyster Fest and Office Manager Nicole Kirkos said that they had already brought in about $9,400 but still needed to subtract money needed to pay for the food.

Tickets to the event were $50 for adults and included six fresh oysters, one lobster roll, one cup of clam chowder, two homemade chocolate chip cookies, and two drink tickets. Oysters were provided by Snug Harbor Fish Company and Bryant Brothers Shellfish Company and came in Sippican and Duxbury varieties.

For those with less of a taste for seafood, a pizza special was also available for the same price, substituting a wood-fired personal pizza and salad for the oysters and lobster roll. Pizza was provided by Wicked Fire Pizza.

“We love oysters, they do wonderful things for our harbor and our economy, but some people don’t like to eat them,” said SLT President Alan Harris.

Harris said he was glad that the Lands Trust was able to offer an in-person dining experience this time, after having to serve oysters to-go last year.

“Sometimes it’s more than the funds we raise here, there’s a social aspect,” he said, adding that he and his wife sometimes call it a “friendraiser.”

In addition to Oyster Fest, the SLT also held an online auction on its website selling donated items including guided walking tours, homemade maple syrup, gift cards to local businesses, and more.