There wasn’t a face not wearing a smile when North Suffolk Rotary Club held an oyster roast in Chuckatuck Wednesday.

A healthy crowd of folks turned out for the annual fundraiser at Kirk Farm off Everets Road, a picturesque location next to the water.

Bob Hosick was one of many volunteers who helped transport the oysters to several long tables of hungry guests. “My wife is a Rotarian, and occasionally I get volunteered for duty,” the wheelbarrow-pusher said.

“It’s a lot of fun, with camaraderie, oysters, and it’s a beautiful day.”

The oysters, which were supplemented with peanuts, beer and wine, were supplied by Murray L. Nixon’s Fishery Inc.

The company’s L.W. Nixon said that between 60 and 70 bushels of the Texas oysters would be consumed over the two hours, feeding around 350 guests.

Speaking to those present, it was clear that the event attracts many of the some folks every year. They keep coming back to strengthen old friendships and create new ones.

Danny Barker said it was “maybe my fourth or fifth” year at the event. The “atmosphere and the people” keep bringing him back, he said.

Linda Butler said she’s been to the oyster roast “many times. It’s absolutely great fun. You see lots of people and have a great time.”

Scott Carr said, “Several times I’ve been here. I love being outside and seeing a bunch of friends; it’s a great time.”

Brenda Steinberg said she tries to make it every year. Along with friends and oysters, she listed “standing out in the cold” as a reason to keep coming back.

“If it’s raining, snowing, whatever, we’re here,” she said.

The event raises money for various charities supported by Rotary, including Stop Hunger Now and the Ebenezer United Methodist Church youth group.

This year, it was sponsored by the Nansemond-Suffolk office of BB&T. A group of workers from the bank were more than happy to turn up and show their support. “We’re celebrating the community,” one of them said.