The first annual Robert J. Miller Oysterfest, a fundraiser to celebrate a special Maplewood resident and raise awareness about melanoma, was a huge success.
Held on a gorgeous, sunny September Saturday at The Woodland, the day-long event attracted more than 1,000 attendees and featured live bands, bagpipers and Irish dancers, local food vendors, a beer garden, children’s activities and free melanoma screenings.
Oh — and oysters, lots and lots of oysters.
Miller was a Maplewood resident, architect and proud father of four who passed away in 2014 after a courageous two-year battle with melanoma.
Oysterfest committee members inculded John Meade, Ellen Davenport, Rene & Paul Conlon, Amy Jo & Patrick Curran, Carol Fardin, Adam Sparrey, Karen Seisman, and special thanks to Chris Dickson & Rent Party.
Miller’s wife, Grace, sent this message to committee members: “I am feeling so unbelievably grateful! I will never EVER be able to thank each and every one of you enough. You all have given your time, energy and unbelievable talent to a cause that means so much to me! I want people to remember Bob, and talk about him… And smile when they do. And that is just what happened yesterday! You all created such an elegant and fun event…. One that made me so proud.”
The event was sponsored by: Seton Hall University, St. James’s Gate, Keller Williams Midtown Direct, Far Brook School, Maplewood Rotary Club, Coda Kitchen & Bar, Anthony Garubo Salon & Day Spa, The Mulvihill Family.
Local food vendors included: Able Baker, Cactus Charly, Cedar Ridge Cafe, Coda, Freeman’s Fish Market, Roman Gourmet, St. James Gate.
Photographer Claire Sinclair graciously donated her time to photograph the entire event, from start to finish. Enjoy her wonderful photos below. Click on any photo to begin.
