The Frederick Fantastic Oyster Fry is celebrating its 20th year this year with fresh Texas Gulf Coast oysters, a $500 giveaway, crafts and fun for everyone.

The 2009 Oyster Fry will be held on Saturday, Feb. 21 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Prather Brown Center Cafeteria, 211 S 13th in Frederick. Due to the effects of Hurricane Ike on the oyster beds, a limited number of tickets will be available this year.

Advance tickets may be purchased by credit card by calling (580) 335-2126, or will be available at Prather Brown Center on Feb. 21, as well as from various locations in Frederick.

Diners at Frederick’s Fantastic Oyster Fry will have their choice of al-you-can-eat fried oysters or raw oysters. The dinner also comes with slaw, beans, chips, bread and a drink. Homemade desserts will also be available for a minimal cost.

To celebrate 20 years of serving great oysters, a special $500 cash giveaway will be awarded to a lucky oyster eater. The drawing will be held on Monday, Feb. 23 with the winner notified by phone. To enter the drawing simply write your name and phone number on your ticket before you turn it in to enjoy your oysters.

A craft show will run in conjunction with the oyster fry next door at the Frederick Middle School Gyms, 201 South 13th, and at the Grey Gish Event Center at 126 N Main St. Approximately 40 craft vendors will offer a wide variety of items for sale and exhibit, including pottery, jewelry, woodcrafts, leather crafts, candles, needlework, and much, much more. The craft show will begin at 11 a.m. and run until 7 p.m.

For more information, or to order tickets, contact the Frederick Chamber of Commerce at 580-335-2126.