Amite Oyster Festival
Amite, Louisiana
P.O. Box 698
Amite, LA 70422
(985) 748 -7156
Oyster Industry History
From a humble beginning in 1949 to the present day, the Amite Oyster Industry has consistently grown and provided jobs to people in Tangipahoa Parish. Founded by the late Carlo Venterella in 1949, the industry has grown from one that began by delivering oysters to local bars and restaurants in our area to the shipping of this seafood to over 40 states nation wide.
In 1951, Mr. Venterella formed a company with his brother Anthony Venterella and Joey Bellavia, and having outgrown the fish market that belonged to Mrs. Frances Venterella, the mother of Carlo and Anthony, they moved their operation to Highway 51 South and began what was to become a modern and state-of-the-art facility for its time. Through several changes over the years, the Amite area then had three different oyster "houses".
In 1970, Joseph Carona and Frank Boudreaux of New Orleans began operating a plant in Amite. There are now two oyster plants in operation in Amite. The latest technology in manufacturing, processing and shipping is in use today. The consumer can purchase oysters processed in Amite from retail outlets as far north as Missouri and Illinois and from the entire east and west coasts and points in between. Oysters from Amite are also prepared in restaurants all over the USA. It is evident how the industry impacts the local economy. Employing nearly 200 people during peak processing times is a major source of influence on the importance of the oyster industry.
The goods and services required to operate these facilities also affects the economy of Tangipahoa Parish. Fuel and other materials necessary in running a trucking fleet, repairs, office equipment and numerous other goods used daily require both people outside the employment of the oyster houses and the products that other local companies market.
From an initial investment of $600, the Amite Oyster Industry has grown to become a multi-million dollar operation.
This growth and importance to Amite is recognized each March with a month long celebration culminating in the annual Amite Oyster Festival. Churches, service organizations, school groups, and other clubs benefit from this festival that helps to fund projects for these groups for the upcoming year. The families that began the oyster industry are still actively involved and are touched and proud to be honored by the wonderful people of Amite, especially those who organize the festival every year.