The Frederick Fantastic Oyster Fry returns this year with fresh Texas Gulf Coast oysters, crafts, and several free attractions for everyone.

The 2013 Oyster Fry will be held Saturday, Feb. 23 from 4 to 6:30 p.m. at the Prather Brown Center Cafeteria, 211 S 13th in Frederick.

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

Advance tickets are $16 and may be purchased through the Chamber Office. Again this year, tickets may be purchased in advance by credit card by a secure website at www.frederickokchamber.org. Patrons are encouraged to use this secure site, as this will allow the Chamber office to process your order much more quickly. Credit card orders can still be placed by calling the chamber office at (580) 335-2126. Tickets will cost $20 the day of the Fry.

Oyster Fry Tickets are also available in Frederick at Box Inc, Jackson Funeral Home, Farm Bureau, Howard Chiropractic, First National Bank, BankFirst, and the Chamber Office.

A craft show will run in conjunction with the Oyster Fry down the street at the First United Methodist Church at 12th and Grand, at the Gray Gish Event Center at 126 N Main St, and at the former “Sweet Magnolia” antique store at 124 West Grand. Approximately 50 craft vendors will offer a wide variety of items for sale and exhibit, including toys, pottery, goat soap, candy, jewelry, woodcrafts, leather crafts, candles, needlework, and much, much more. The craft show will be held from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., while the fry itself will run from 4 to 6:30 p.m.

Although Oysters are the main attraction , there are many other free things to see and do.

The Frederick Arts and Humanities Council will open the Lois Long Center at 116 S. 9th at 10 a.m. for a show and sale of the Council’s private art collection. Limited edition prints, pottery ,originals oils and watercolors by M.C. Hullender, Larry Greer, John Tracy, Marilyn Todd and other artists will be offered at very affordable prices.

Tours of the historic Ramona adjacent to the Lois Long will also be given. There will no fee to view the art collection and sale or to tour the Ramona. Stop by for some light refreshments and the opportunity to purchase some terrific art work. Ramona and Lois Long will close at 4 p.m.

Mosaic artist and chamber member Jenny Perry has her studio in downtown Frederick at 114. N Main. The studio will be open to the public on Oyster Fry Day from noon until 5 p.m. Be sure to stop in to say hello and gaze upon all the artwork.

The Pioneer Townsite Historical Museum houses the Abernathy Boys Exhibit, as well as many other wonderful exhibits, and will be open from 1 to 5 p.m. Learn about the boy’s amazing cross country adventure in 1910, and step back into pioneer life in the 1920s.

The Crawford Collection in downtown Frederick is a private collection of more than 160 animal trophy mounts that were collected from throughout the world by Frederick’s Crawford family. It will be open from 1 to 6 p.m.

Frederick’s Carnegie Library will also be open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and offers free Wi-Fi for those who may need to facebook while in Frederick.

The World War II Airborne Demonstration Team will be at the Frederick Airport, southeast of Frederick that day as well.

Go south on Hwy 183 and follow the signs.

During World War II Frederick was home to Frederick Army Air Field. The World War II Airborne Demonstration Team Foundation has established its headquarters at the Frederick airport in the sole remaining hangar that has been preserved from that time. The team honors veterans through WWII style static line parachute jumps at events throughout the United States and Europe.

The Hanger will be open from 1 to 5 p.m. that day.

Also visit Hackberry Flat Wetlands, a restored wetland that attracts thousands of migratory birds including Whooping Cranes and other rare species. Be sure to visit the Hackberry Flat Center for updated birding information, it will be open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

For more information on any of the events, or to order tickets, go to www.frederickokchamber.org. You may also call the Chamber at 580-335-2126.