Well, that was awesome! The 2012 "o"dition of Arcata Main Street's Oyster Festival is in the books and, as always, was a grand shuckin' time! The Journal was there chompin' and gluggin' all day, but we did find a few moments to use our greasy fingers to snap some shots.

Wanna see? Head on over to the NCJ's Facebook page and "like" 'em up.

If you weren't there -- man, you really romanced the canine on that one -- we'll be kind enough to pass on the important info.

2012 OYSTER FESTIVAL WINNERS:

Best of the O-Fest: Sushi Spot - Goose Point oyster with ponzu reduction, fresh lime, Japanese mint and masago.

Best Raw Oyster: Plaza Grill - Fanny Bay oyster with champagne-honeydew sorbet and golden white fish caviar.

Best Cooked Oyster: Bear River Casino - Applewood Smoked Oyster on Belgin Endive with Candied Bacon and pickeled habenero.

Best Non-Oyster Dish (a KHUM Award): Kyoto - Kobe beef skewers with spicy Thai sauce.

Oh, and not like there was any doubt going into it ... yes, swallower Conor Eckholm and shucker Aiden Semingsen won KWPT's Shuck and Swallow Contest for the 837th year in a row. Duh.

Now go look at our pictures.