A competition to shuck the most oysters (the process of opening the shell to reveal the meat inside) is a highlight of Maryland’s U.S. Oyster Fest, held over the third weekend in October in St. Mary’s County. The National Oyster Shucking Championships (pictured) is part of the entertainment on offer, although there’s also an oyster cook-off, a music pavilion showcasing local performers and scavenger hunts.