National Fried Clam Day

National Fried Clam Day celebrates the crispy New England seafood dish on July 3. Fried clams are commonly made by coating shucked clams before frying them, and they may be served as whole-belly clams or as clam strips. The dish is closely associated with New England clam shacks and seafood restaurants. Woodman’s of Essex describes the dish’s New England history.

The date points to July 3, 1916, when Lawrence “Chubby” Woodman and his wife, Bessie, experimented with frying clams at their concession stand in Essex, Massachusetts. According to the Woodmans’ account, a local fisherman jokingly suggested the idea while Chubby was making potato chips; the couple then shucked clams, tried different batters, and served the result during the July 4 parade. The Boston Globe notes that earlier fried-clam recipes existed and that the Woodmans’ claim specifically concerns the deep-fried, whole-belly style. Woodman’s of Essex launched National Fried Clam Day in 2015, and the observance is held annually on July 3. The holiday’s history and launch are documented here.

How to Observe National Fried Clam Day

Celebrate by ordering fried clams at a seafood restaurant or clam shack, or visit Woodman’s of Essex in Essex, Massachusetts, where the Woodman family’s story began. You can also try making them at home by coating shucked clams with milk and flour before frying them until golden, or compare whole-belly clams with clam strips to see which style you prefer.

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