One of the biggest fundraising events for the Highlands Biological Foundation, Highlands on the Half-Shell, is set for this weekend. The annual fall festival is back after a one-year hiatus due to COVID-19.
The event began in 2014, when board members decided to start a new, fun event.
“Highlands on the Half-Shell is always the first weekend in October,” Executive director for the Highlands Biological Foundation, Charlotte Muir, said. “It is always in the meadow of the Highlands Biological Station with the leaves changing and the weather cooling down.”
Though it is a fundraiser, Muir said it is one of the best, most fun events on the Highlands Biological Station campus.
“It is just a huge community gathering,” Muir said. “It is hosted by all different people from Highlands. We do an oyster roast, there’s gumbo, jambalaya, pralines and just a great Louisiana vibe. This started because a lot of the board members have a strong Louisiana tie.”
Typically, according to Muir, the event is sold out, but because a late start this year, tickets are still available.
“We didn’t know if we should do it or not, because of COVID,” Muir said. “It is a very important fundraiser that we count on to fund all of our programs. We didn’t have it last year, but people still contributed, and it was great, but we are so happy to do it again this year. I think it is more than the money, it is about the awareness that is raised and the connection that we have with our members at the event.”
Muir said the event is different from any other event in Highlands.
“It’s not one of those events where the staff does all of the work,” Muir said. “So many people really contribute. People make the gumbo and roast the oysters in front of you. We’ve got board members that put-on chef’s hats and serve the food and bartend. It is such a feel-good event, and all ages can come and participate.”
The cost for tickets is $125. More information can be found at highlandsbiolocial.org.
The Highlands Biological Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that has been providing critical support for the Biological Station and it’s three facets: the Nature Center, Botanical Garden and Biological Laboratory since the Station’s founding in 1927.
- By Christopher Smith