It’s an annual tradition — one that draws people from near and far. It’s a night of shucking steamed oysters under a starry sky and dancing to live music; a community coming together to celebrate.

For 31 years, Sound Rivers, formerly Pamlico-Tar River Foundation, has hosted a November oyster roast. Over time, it’s become one of the environmental advocacy organization’s biggest fundraisers, bringing together people with a common cause: love of the region’s natural resources, primarily its rivers and the life they support.

“It’s sort of become a downeast tradition in the area,” said Pamlico-Tar riverkeeper Heather Jacobs Deck. “We bring people in from all over; people who have moved away, who come back for this. It’s an opportunity to reconnect with family and friends, and they know we put on a good event and find good oysters for them every year.”

But it’s not just about having a good time with friends new and old — it’s a chance to meet longtime supporters and talk about the work Sound Rivers does, according to Sound River Executive Director Harrison Marks.

“The sense of community, as well as the actual fundraising, is important,” Marks said.

Through the oyster roast ticket sales and its silent auction, those participating provide financial support to Sound Rivers, which in turn is providing a crucial role for both the state and the community, according to Deck.

“The role that we play and the liaison role we play between the state and community is more important than ever,” Deck said.

Deck said that during the recession that started in 2008 and its slow recovery since, state and federal resources were slashed and agencies charged with monitoring the environment have been doing so with a minimum of staff. Sound Rivers staff stepped in to fill some of the gaps created: sampling water and passing those samples to state agencies, sometimes paying for testing themselves; finding answers for residents who have questions about water quality and the health of the river’s inhabitants.

“Just yesterday I had someone call about what it meant if there were black spots on a fish — what they were and was it safe to eat,” Deck said. “Sound Rivers and our team has really worked hard to fill in the gaps for community members.”

With the boost in funding provided each year by the oyster roast, they’re able to continue providing that service with three fulltime riverkeepers in the Neuse and Tar-Pamlico rivers, monitoring, protecting and working to preserve the watersheds covering nearly one-quarter of North Carolina, according to a Sound Rivers press release. In addition to the riverkeepers monitoring the waterways, they also serve as scientific experts and educational resources to schools and communities living in the watershed.

“We’re here to protect clean water for everybody, whether they’re commercial fishermen, boaters or just enjoying the shimmer of a sunset (on the water) — that’s why we do it,” Deck said.

This year’s oyster roast will be held Nov. 12 from 6 p.m. until 10:30 p.m. on the grounds of the Washington Civic Center. The silent auction features original work by local artists and crafts people, gift baskets, vacation packages and gift certificates for merchandise and services. A highlight of the auction is a Hobie Bravo, a small catamaran, Deck said. Tickets are $55 for members and $60 for nonmembers; tickets at the door are $65.

For more information or to make reservations, call Sound Rivers at 252-946-7211.