Last year there was a less than favorable attendance at Frederick's Fantastic Oyster Fry. The lack of attendance, which was an average of 700, was partially a result of cold weather conditions. However, as with any good story the readers need to turn the page and look at this year. The attendance for the event, which is sponsored by the Frederick Chamber of Commerce, is up to 850 supporters.

This year was very pleasing for Louis and Betty Box, as well as Twyla Elsener. As they spoke about the oyster fry the family expressed their appreciation for support of the community event. “We got ahead and stayed ahead and it went real smooth,” shared Twyla Elsener.

The oyster fry has several favorable attributes that contributed to its success this year. There were eighteen cookers/fryers that were managed and monitored by event sponsors. The oysters were a little smaller and more time efficient to cook. Smiling, Elsener said “They were the perfect size.”

The event attracts residents from the Frederick area and surrounding areas. Supporters come from surrounding communities including the Texas communities of Chillicothe, Quanah, and Wichita Falls. Some of the many Oklahoma communities that lend support to the oyster fry includes Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Guthrie, Marlow, Mustang and Mangum.

There are many volunteers who support the event. Elsener recognizes and thanks all of those supporters. Among those volunteers is the Frederick FFA. This organization arranged the seating, set out snacks/refreshments, loaded tents/cookers, helped mix the cole slaw and performed a variety of other tasks. The organization supports this event to help obtain community service hours designated by Bill Blankenship, Frederick FFA Advisor. Other school organizations including the Frederick High School Student Council and the Frederick High School Cheerleaders performed community service at the local event.

This particular community event is unique because it accomplishes two specific goals. The oyster fry involves local community support and attracts a variety of supporters from other areas. It also provides the Frederick community with an opportunity to showcase many of the local attractions. There is no other community-related event in the county that generates so much local volunteerism support in comparison to the unmeasurable support given to the oyster fry.