Rural Hill to stage oyster roast benefit

Historic Rural Hill in Huntersville will hold an oyster roast benefit on Nov. 15 to help make up a budget deficit caused by this year’s drought.

The lack of rain this summer led Rural Hill officials to delay the opening of the historic site’s annual Amazing Maize Maze by a month. Officials also canceled night mazes.

The 7-acre, 2.5-mile maze has been Rural Hill’s largest fundraiser for at least 10 years, typically drawing about 30,000 people and generating about $150,000 after expenses toward its $800,000 annual budget.

Rural Hill Executive Director Jeff Fissel said it’s hard to know how much the November benefit will raise. He said Rural Hill might also hold a fundraising campaign..

The money from the maze has helped pay for educational programs for students.

The oyster benefit will be 2-6 p.m. Nov. 15 on Rural Hill’s grounds on Neck Road in north Mecklenburg County. It will feature baskets of roasted and seasoned oysters cooked by Dan “the Pig Man” Huntley.

Tickets cost $10 and will include a basket of eight to 10 steamed oysters with lemon, cocktail sauce and crackers. Other food also will be available, as well as drinks from N.C. brewers and wineries.

The event also will feature live music.

Tickets must be purchased in advance on Rural Hill’s website, www.ruralhill.net.

This story was originally published October 20, 2015 at 8:06 AM with the headline "Rural Hill to stage oyster roast benefit."