Get ready to shuck, slurp and savor delicious mollusks on the half shell at the Wareham Oyster Festival set for Sunday, May 1.

Bob Brady, who co-chairs the event for the Wareham Village Association, said the festival started as a way to bring more visitors into town before summer officially kicks off on Memorial Day.

Now in its third year, the Oyster Festival’s mission is to promote local businesses in the Main Street area, primarily, and other parts of town.

“Oysters are one of our best resources and the festival is growing,” Brady said.

He estimates that more than 50 percent of attendees are coming into town from Boston, Providence, Cape Cod and the South Coast.

“It really helps give local businesses a shot in the arm,” Brady said.

The highlight of the weeklong celebration of all things oyster is the festival itself, scheduled for 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Main Street, between Center and Sawyer Streets. Admittance is free.

Main Street will be closed as Pezzoli Square becomes the heart of the festival.

“Pezzoli Square is going to come alive with music,” Brady said. “There will be oysters and more than forty vendors participating.”

Brady said he’s optimistic the Oyster Festival will be held under sunny skies. During the festival’s inaugural year wet, cold weather dampened the event, but last year proved a winner, weather wise.

“The extended forecast looks great for Sunday,” he said. “That’s hopeful. It makes the whole experience more pleasant.”

Before the festival begins, the annual Oyster Festival 5K will have people on the run starting at 10 a.m. on Sunday. The race begins at the Wareham Fire Station, located on Main Street. To register online, visit www.warehamvillage.org.

In the week leading up to the festival, Brady said diners were treated to the Wareham oyster trail, a group of participating restaurants that highlighted oysters on their menus.

“Some restaurants fried them, some made a stew, it was up to the individual restaurant how they wanted to please their customers,” Brady said.

In addition to the festival, the Wareham Village Association is finalizing plans for the Oyster Festival Gala scheduled for Friday, April 29 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Rosebrook Event Center, at 50 Rosebrook Way. Tickets are available for purchase online on the Association’s website.

The gala serves as a fundraiser for the Association. Brady said the event space is donated by TownPlace Suites and centerpieces are provided by the Wareham Garden Club. There will be beer, wine and (of course) oysters at the gala.

For more information on the Wareham Oyster Festival, visit www.warehamvillage.org.