Clam lovers rejoice: It’s a special week for you if you live or are traveling this week in Rhode Island. The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management and the Rhode Island Seafood Marketing Collaborative are holding the 10th annual Quahog Week, which began yesterday and continues through Saturday (May 23).
The event celebrates the cultural and economic importance of the quahog, the state’s official clam.
Restaurants and seafood markets across Rhode Island will feature special quahog dishes during the weeklong event. Organizers expect a record number of participants this year. A list of participating locations and specials is available here.
“Quahog Week is an opportunity to celebrate Rhode Island’s shellfish industry and the bounty of Narragansett Bay,” said Governor Dan McKee. “Quahogging has a long history in the Ocean State and this ‘shell-ebration’ is a great opportunity to support local harvesters, restaurants, and seafood markets and enjoy a favorite quahog dish or discover something new.”
State officials said ongoing investments in water quality, infrastructure and shellfish monitoring have opened thousands of acres of new shellfishing waters in recent years, helping support Rhode Island’s seafood industry.
Quahogs are Rhode Island’s most valuable fishery in Narragansett Bay. More than 11 million were harvested last year by more than 400 quahoggers, generating more than $3 million. Demand peaks during summer, when littlenecks, clam cakes and stuffies are especially popular.
Three free public events are planned during Quahog Week, including complimentary littlenecks shucked by members of the Rhode Island Shellfisherman’s Association and samples from participating vendors.
Events include:
• Tiverton Farmers Market, May 17
• Narragansett Brewery in Providence, May 19
• Newport Craft and Distillery, May 21
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