Thousands poured into Theodore Roosevelt Park in Oyster Bay Saturday for the 34th annual Oyster Festival. 

Long lines of people waited to get their taste of the prized shellfish – whether raw, fried or in a stew.

Johnathan Shoemaker, of East Norwich, described what he considers to be the perfect oyster. 

"Not too salty, a little bit of that sea taste to it and it's got to be fresh," he said. 

By the end of the weekend festival, shuckers in oyster tents will have shucked about 60,000 oysters.

The crowded event caused bumper-to-bumper traffic. Some said parking on narrow residential streets, far from the venue, was a headache. 

Residents told News 12 that they will deal with the issues once a year for the good of the festival and the community. 

The festival continues Sunday until 6 p.m.