Men's Shucking Champion Mike Martin became the first to win the U.S. National Oyster Shucking Championship three time in a row with a score of 2:43.60. Cathy Milliken, the winning Women Shucker, was a close second with a score of 2:57.76. The Cook-Off Grand Champion was Josean Rosado with his "Chesapeake Oyster with Rockfish Ceviche and Cucumber Granita". More photos will follow.

Three time U.S. National Oyster Shucking Contest winner Mike Martin displays his winning 2012 plaques alongside Queen Oyster Robin Finnacom, the "Pearl of the Chesapeake".

Cook-Off Grand Champion, Josean Rosado puts the finishing touches on his winning Main Dish entry, Chesapeake Oyster with Rockfish Ceviche and Cucumber Granita.

It’s that time of year once again. When, for oyster lovers, the St. Mary’s County fairgrounds near Leonardtown transform to nirvana. Oysters served up raw, scalded, grilled on the barbie, on bread, on the half shell, stewed, nude, cooked in savory sauces, in salads, even in desserts, just about every way imaginable and then some. They’re here for the eating and enjoying at the 44th Annual St. Mary’s County Oyster Festival. This year's festival will be held on Saturday and Sunday, October 20th and 21st, 2012 at the Fairgrounds on Route 5 just south of Leonardtown.

The gates are open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and from 11:00 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday. Admission is $5 for adults, no charge for children 12 and under and there is plenty of free parking. The festival events continue, rain or shine, since adequate buildings and tents are provided on the grounds. Proceeds from the Oyster Festival go to local charities.

For more information on the festival and a full schedule of events contact the Oyster Festival office at 301-863-5015, or write to P.O. Box 766, California, MD 20619.

 Amateur Oyster Shuckers "give it a go" before the final heats on Sunday.