O-Day

Well, this is it, kids. O-Day is here.

It's been nearly six weeks since it was revealed that this year's Arcata Main Street produced Oyster Festival would break with tradition, fence up the Arcata Plaza and charge ten bucks a head for the chance to fill your face with slimy invertebrates. Now we see who played their cards most strategically.

Will Arcata Main Street score with its promise of a less drunken, more orderly festival? Will attempts by Luke's Joint owner Luke Patterson encouraging people and businesses to boycott the event scare off the bivalve-adoring crowds? Will supervisor Rex Bohn projectile vomit raw oysters all over his constituents during the Shuck and Swallow contest? Did all the drama make you forget that Lyrics Born is performing, which is awesome? Needless to say, there's plenty of intrigue packed into Saturday.

We will all have answers Sunday.

-Andrew Goff

(P.S. If you missed the Lowdown's rundown of Oyster Fest after parties earlier this week, the Internet has saved it for you.)

EVENTS (SUBMIT YOURS!)

56th Annual Garberville Rodeo

Greycliff Rodeo Grounds / 7 a.m.

"Rodeo In the Redwoods." See event description for the weekend's full schedule.

223-1046 / Web site

Humboldt County Safety Fair

Old Jefferson School / 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

The women of Humboldt Roller Derby along with Making Headway host a free safety-themed event featuring helmet decorating, safety demonstrations, bike rodeo, car seat checks and giveaways.

Web site

Arcata Main Street Oyster Festival

Arcata Plaza / 9:30 a.m. / $10

Shell-shenanigans: great music, food, fun featured at this weekend's 23rd annual Oyster Festival. Music by Lyrics Born, Yogoman Burning Band and Motherlode.

Humboldt Crabs vs. Menlo Park Legends

Arcata Ball Park / 12:30 p.m. / $8

Hometown baseball, baby.

Web site

Vagabond Opera Post-Oyster Fest Celebration

Arcata Theatre Lounge / 7 p.m. / 21+

Note that early start time! European Cabaret! Vintage Americana! Balkan Belly Dance! Neo-Classical Opera! Old World Yiddish Theater! The Hip Joint open.

822-1220 / Web site

Brett McFarland

Arcata Playhouse / 8 p.m.

Intimate evening of music and storytelling with Arcata's very own singer/songwriter. Berel Alexander and Bangarang open. Benefits CASA of Humboldt. Sliding scale $5/$15.

822-1575 / Web site

Miracle Show

Humboldt Brews / 9 p.m. / 21+

Oyster Fest after party.

826-2739 / Web site

Tigerbomb!, Lord Ellis

Alibi / 10:30 p.m. / $5 / 21+

Humboldt's Guided by Voices tribute band plays their first show in eight years. UPDATE: Local rock gods Lord Ellis have stepped in for The Ian Fays who had to drop out for personal reasons.

822-3731 / Web site