The Quebec Produce Marketing Association enjoyed another successful Oyster Party.
Up to 500 people packed the Anjou-based QPMA’s 24th yearly Oyster Party on Nov. 6 in St. Leonard, Quebec.
QPMA president Stéphan Dolbec, director general of Saint Ubalde, Quebec-based Patates Dolbec, and the association’s board of directors welcomed guests who dined in the all-you-can-eat oyster and buffet festivities.
“We could be easily more than 500 people because each year, the popularity of this event increases and for the first time, we were sold out for more than one week before the event,” said Anne-Émilie Thibault, QPMA’s director of communications.
For entertainment, the event featured casino table games and contests.
Laura Guelmoune of nuts and dried fruit importer Amira Enterprises Inc., Montreal, won the oyster-shucking contest after opening five oysters in 14.98 seconds and Steve Zaccardi, sales and account manager with Mucci Pac, Kingsville, Ontario, won the Black Jack tournament.
At this year’s party, the organization began selling raffle tickets to benefit Canada’s “I love 5 to 10 Servings a Day” campaign.
The QPMA launched the campaign that tries to increase consumer awareness of the importance of eating fresh fruits and vegetables in 2004.
Tickets are available until next year’s convention, scheduled for Aug. 19-21 in Montreal.
At that convention, raffle winners will be announced for a $7,000 cruise and $1,000 and $2,000 cash prizes.
Earlier in the day, QPMA officers discussed the association’s financial results.