The Abingdon Ruritan Club Seafood Festival hits a milestone this spring. May 16 will mark the 70th time members and volunteers have come together to put on the popular festival that now draws 2,200 people twice a year—in the spring and fall.

With this milestone comes special recognition by festival sponsor Budweiser, said Ruritan vice president Mary Lou Shepherd during a recent interview. The company will install a giant beer garden, complete with televisions, music, special seating, and an overall festive environment.

But that won’t be all the event will offer. The club throws “one heck of a party” for the price of a $50 ticket, said member Jim Leiffer. Thirty-two sponsored booths will line the festival grounds, offering every kind of seafood and beverage imaginable between the hours of 3 and 8 p.m. Clam fritters; fried and steamed oysters; oysters on the half-shell; clam chowder and steamed clams; fried scallops and fried fish; steamed shrimp and crabs, all ...