Hail the mighty bivalve mollusk! (At least the oyster variety.)

On Saturday behind St. John's Episcopal Church in Niantic, the 2nd Annual Niantic Bay Oyster Festival takes place. Dozen on the shell, anyone? Two dozen?

Local vendors will offer all sorts of raw and prepared oyster dishes, but that's just the thematic focal point. This free, family-friendly event also features live music, craft beers from local breweries, plenty of tasty types of food that aren't oysters, games, and even an oyster shucking contest.

For one beautiful October day, forget pumpkins for a few hours and enjoy some oysters! Proceeds benefit The Miracle League of Southeastern Connecticut.

Niantic Bay Oyster Festival, noon-6 p.m. Saturday, behind St. John's Episcopal Church, 400 Main St., Niantic; free; Facebook search Niantic Bay Oyster Festival.