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8,000-plus enjoy inaugural seafood festival
The first Outer Banks Seafood Festival drew crowds estimated at between 8,000 and 10,000. (Russ Lay photo)
By all accounts the first-ever Outer Banks Seafood Festival was a rousing success, from the weather and food, to the entertainment and fellowship.
The festival was the second open-air event held at the old Windmill Point restaurant site on land owned by the Town of Nags Head and the Outer Banks Visitor’s Bureau.
Festival officials estimated the crowd at close to 8,000 while the fire marshal stated that perhaps as many as 10,000 people had visited the ground by 4 p.m.
The parking lot at the event site filled up quickly and a tour of the lot revealed license plates from Virginia, Maryland, South Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Washington, D.C.
Festival organizers said ticket orders online came from as far away as California, and by mid-afternoon they reported close to a quarter-million food and drink tickets, valued at $1 each, had been purchased.
The purpose of the event was to honor, educate and demonstrate the value of our local commercial fishing industry.
Working boat exhibit at the festival. (Russ Lay photo)
Educational programs and exhibits were held an always-crowded tent sponsored by Outer Banks Catch, an organization dedicated to bringing together local restaurants and seafood purveyors to encourage the use and sale of locally caught seafood.
Outside the tent, traditional boats with information plaques explained the design and use of traditional fishing boats such as dory’s and skiffs.
Inside, Outer Banks Catch offered information on the commercial fishing industry, membership applications and ‘swag’, such as tee-shirts and visors. Greeters outside the tent included local commercial fishermen, county commissioners and other dignitaries.
Exhibits included the North Carolina Aquariums, Marine Fisheries, the marketing division of the Department of Agriculture’s “NC Seafood” effort, arts, crafts and cookbooks chockfull of local seafood recipes.
Rep. Tim Spear talks with Capt. Moon Tillet at the prior to one of the lectures presented by a group of esteemed local watermen in the Outer Banks Catch tent.
By far the most popular attraction in the Outer Banks Catch tent were the live talks about traditional fishing methods and exhibitions by local chef’s on how to cook local seafood.
“Frying Up Outer Banks Fish” by Sharon Peele Kennedy, “Shrimping It Up” with Tommy Peters and “Shell Fish Stories” with L.B. Fulcher and Capt. Eph O’Neal were well attended.
Attendees at the latter talks learned how to rake clams, catch crabs, and the tough life of the watermen who make their living harvesting these delicacies.
Just outside the Outer Banks Catch area, four long rows of local craftsmen, charities and artists offered up a variety of locally-made art, clothing, baked goodies and other delights.
But the food was the main attraction at the Outer Banks Seafood Festival.
And once more, patrons were taught the importance of the connection between locally caught fish and its transformation into the delicious seafood our locally owned restaurants are known for nationwide.
Duck confit and BBQ Shrimp from Bambino Little Italy in Corolla.
Twenty establishment served up everything from staples such as fried shrimp and scallop to more eclectic offerings such a poached shrimp in beurre blanc, ceviche and shrimp & stone ground grits.
There were plenty of po boys, chowders, bisques, fish tacos and crab cakes.
The prices were incredibly reasonable, with entree-sized plates for $10 or less, but most offerings were priced between $3 and $5.
There were also a great selection of specialty, locally-made microbrewed, and national brand beer available.
I purchased $30 worth of tickets, filled up on my share of food, and had eight tickets to give away as I departed.
Many came for the free entertainment all day.
The entertainment stage was also a big hit. With free admission to the festival, many locals brought chairs and blankets and camped out around the stage.
The entertainment kicked off with the nationally recognized First Flight High School Jazz Band.
The Blind Prophets brought rocking tunes from the 60′s and 70′s, followed by “Old Enough to Know Better” playing oldies such as “Unchained Melody” and “Good Loving.”
Ocracoke’s Molasses Creek, fresh off a newly released album that has climbed to number four on the national folk music charts followed, playing a set including original songs, such as the event-appropriate “I’m A Fisherman”, as well as tradition folk tunes.
Local banker and musician Bill Rea served as master of ceremonies, and one of the bands he plays in “The Crowd”, closed out the stage with a 5 p.m. show.
Old Enough To Know Better performing. (Russ Lay photo)
At the Kids Zone a number of games were available and youngsters could even practice surf casting using small rods and plastic fish targets.
The police and fire departments from Nags Head did a wonderful job directing traffic on the bypass, and informing drivers of the location of satellite parking lots.
Shuttle buses were available at many spots around Nags Head and Manteo, and ran efficiently with minimal wait times once the entire fleet got rolling.
Event organizers and sponsors should be proud of this inaugural event and the overwhelming support and attendance from locals and visitors alike.
And, like last year’s Town of Nags Head 50th anniversary carnival, the success of this outdoor event suggests the public and our visitors like the idea of these type of events on the publicly-owned site.
See what people are saying:
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KDH Rezident Evil says:
Outstanding effort by all involved. Pay heed, city planners, these are the kind of events we need more of and, as importantly, venues to have them.
Kathleen Wixted says:
My family and I (we are locals) attended the Seafood Festival and arrived at about 2:15. It was wonderful…so many people and so much to see. We were in line for
food and, one-by-one, the vendors ran out. This being the first Seafood Festival, I am sure that the vendors never anicipated the number of people. We waited for 30 or more minutes for more food to arrive having been told that it would be ten, twenty, or thirty minutes. However, no food came. So we left and went to Mulligan’s for lunch. This being said, we enjoyed the Festival very much: wonderful atmosphere, happy and nice people, and wonderful weather. Thanks to all who planned and executed this community event. It made me proud to be an Outer Banks person. Let’s do it again next year!
David Hunt says:
I thought the event was FANTASTIC! The first year there are bound to be a few growing pains. I think they did a great job putting the event together. I’m sure this annual event will be around for many years to come!
Jason says:
I admit I didn’t have high hopes for the festival but it turned out great.
Donny King says:
Ocean Boulevard and friends had a blast participating in the event! Hats off to the planners, and to our “neighbors” in the food tents. We kept each other “afloat” with professionalism and support!
Harold says:
I agree that it was a great event, although I heard others who arrived after 1 pm complaining about the lines. Some at church this morning even said some of the great food purveyors ran out later in the afternoon.
I guess that is a good sign of a successful first time, and that it will be taken into account for the future efforts.
Kudos to all the planners, businesses and volunteers!
Dic Johnson says:
Great event but by the time I got there most of the vendors were out of food. Hopefully the decision makers will realize the demand for events like this and keep the Windmill Point site available for this type of thing.
Mike Albertson says:
We came in from Camden and had a great time. The food was great and the prices were resonable.The bands were good and the OBX tent was a hit.
Beachcomber says:
Kudos to Outer Banks Catch for bringing to life our commercial fishing industry. Their tent was the highlight of the festival. More people should take an interest in where they are getting their seafood.
Russ Lay says:
Indeed it was Beachcomber. And meeting the members of “The Greatest Generation”, all in one locale was a once in a lifetime event for someone like me.
Russ Lay says:
And thanks for coming down from your beautiful county to spend a day with us! I leave a few dollars there 3x a week at the Duck Thru and the bakery in Belcross Bake Shoppe.
robert says:
I do not think that the festival was prepared for a crowd that size! Purchased $30 worth of tix upon arrival for some great smelling grub. Got in line. Switched lines. Switched again. Got in shortest line. Vendor ran out of food. Shook hands with lots of frustrated friends. Gave them all my tickets and hit undisclosed restaurant!
Linda Ward says:
We got there around 1pm, walked around a bit, decided that lines were too long for us old folk, so we sold our tickets to some men waiting in a long line for tickets, and went to Mulligans for lunch. I had no idea that the vendors were running out of food or I would not have sold our tickets to some unsuspecting people. Sorry, Guys, we thought we were doing you mutual favor. I don’t think anyone anticipated the crowds that showed up.
Old KH Lady says:
We parked at Outer Banks Mall about 11:15 and a bus came within a couple of minutes. I was hoping for a good time and we sure had one! We bought tickets right away and headed for the outer banks catch tent. The talks and cooking demos were interesting and fun! The setting was perfect with the rocking chairs and fall displays and of course the gorgeous sound in the background!
We enjoyed the local crafts and found a handmade item we couldn’t leave behind!
Food lines were long but the conversations with locals and visitors while waiting sure were enjoyable! Food was great and prices were just right!
In my opinion, it was a big success! Hats off to the sponsors, organizers, vendors, volunteers (our bus driver was still going at 5 when we left). A special “wow!” out to the people who work so hard in the fishing/shrimping/crabbing industry to give us the opportunity to enjoy such fresh, delicious seafood!
Please make this an annual event! Venue was perfect! No snub to Manteo but I was happy to see a big community event in Nags Head.
The performers were awesome!
I know any shortfalls with the food line management and shortages will be worked out. It only goes to show you that folks love the outer banks and are ready for this type of festivity in Nags Head!
Amelia Checks says:
Great food and the vendors were great but way too many drunks, kinda spoiled what could have otherwise been a 100% good time.
ekim says:
Better than a convention center, dont cha think?
MichaelAP5 says:
This is the first time that I can agree with ekim!
Mark Williamson says:
Standing 45 minutes in line is not my idea of a good time. If turnout makes it a success, so be it, but the vendors were ovewhelmed. It will take a few years to get it sorted out.
KDH Resident says:
Anybody know where the proceeds for parking went to? Are there any charities that will benefit from the festival?
Old KH Lady says:
I walked around quite a bit all day and I saw people drinking but didn’t see anyone who was drunk. I’m sure they were there but there must have been so few of them that I just didn’t see it. I appreciated that we disassociated ourselves from Virginia Beach venues where, if you want a beer or glass of wine, you have to do it corralled under a tent. If the volunteers can withstand it, I hope they make it a two day event next year!
Just Me says:
Wonderful! Thank goodness I got there early. Great job on the food and bands!
Sue says:
Great idea and growing pains will make it better next year. Eight thousand is a lot to feed.
wbp says:
great idea but not enough space nor enough restaurants partispating. paid ten bucks to park bought 35 tickets and still didn’t sample any food.Sold my tickets and left. Want be back next year
Local vendor says:
First let me say thank you to everyone- all those that worked so hard to put this together, and those that came and particapated.
I was a craft vendor at the festival and it WAS A GREAT day for me, I was not able to walk around and see the event but I hear it was great (we were that busy). My only complaint is that there were vendors that were not locals, it stated on my application that I needed to be a local craftsmen, “The Outer Banks Seafood Festival will feature displays of the region’s most talented artists and craftsman.” it also stated “ALL ARTS/CRAFTS VENDORS MUST INCLUDE PHOTO. TO BE CLASSIFIED AN ARTS/CRAFTS VENDOR, ARTS/CRAFTS ARE DEFINED AS ITEMS WHICH HAVE BEEN INDIVIDUALLY HANDMADE BY THE ARTIST REPRESENTED, WITHOUT THE USE OF COMMERCIAL MOLDS, KITS, CASTING PATTERNS, OR MASS-PRODUCED PARTS.” Some vendors didn’t comply with theese rules, some were from out of state.
With that being said- I had a great day and I hope there are more of these events.
Rose says:
Sounds like a great event attended by locals who spent money. How nice to see something that provides for residents instead of the constant quest for tourist money. Hooray Nags Head for the decision to keep the space for outdoor events.
MTOCOKEGAL says:
Great Locale…great weather is probably the best factor to contribute it too….I am sure that next year they will tweek it and it will be like most everything else that is done on the OBX…it will be the best ever! That’s how we roll around here…we don’t settle for good when BEST is within our grasp!
Mark Williamson says:
The parking proceeds went in their pockets. Definitely the parking was a ripoff. It will get better in years to come. 55 degree weather and blowing 25 mph from the Northeast will kill the crowd also.
Val says:
We had a great time! Great event……. 3 adults and a 3 year old we spent $130.00 on food, beverages, an event hat and an event TShirt. Lots of great fun, food, and music. My daughter and I spent at least an hour in the kid zone, we all wondered around for about an hour took turns in the food lines and danced to some great local music too. Most of the day we hung around the Band area and talked to many local friends and met lots of people from outside of the area… HUGE SUCCESS and can’t wait till the next one!!!!! fyi, If you are looking for something to do NOV 17 Go to the Hatteras Island Community Fair!!!
OBX Tom says:
Can we have this event in the summer ? Maybe get a country band (Chesney) to cover the venue ? This could be a great thing with an outdoor ampitheatre. The amount of people in the summer who would come out would be incredible. If you rent out spaces to the vendors and charge per person you could really make a great profit ?
David Hunt says:
Are there any T shirts or posters still left for sale?
David Hunt says:
I think OBX Tom is missing the spirit of the event. For locals to celebrate locals.
one suggestion says:
@ OBX Tom…If they were to hold the event in the summer, I would not attend. 10k people was enough, I certainly don’t want to go somewhere with 20k people that I don’t even know.
Sometimes it’s not about how much money you can make but rather, about a group of people getting together and doing something nice for the community. It was a great way to END the summer!
KDH Homeowner/Resident says:
A couple of friends and myself showed up at about 1 pm; and, parked at the Tanger Outlet Mall. Althought the lines were rather long at some of the vendors, it was a wonderful day as far as weather was concerned and as others said, I enjoyed chatting with friends that I had not seen in a while. The bands were great and I couldn’t ask for a better way to wind down the season. Thank you to all of those who partook in the festivities and thank you to those who set the festival up. I hope for an even better time next year!
Nick says:
It was a great crowd, great location and a great day. Traffic was well managed. If the site is kept open for events like this, it can serve visitors and the local community for generations. Build on it and it’s gone forever.
OBXER says:
Great time, lines were long but moved relatively quick ! Didnt stay long but it was great to see people who do alot of good for the community but never get a spot in the public eye be honored! Good music, good price, good food, good people, good time all around !!!!!
curious says:
I agree with Nick. Keep this site green and open and available to host nice outdoor events. Maybe a perm. pavillion or stage could be buillt, but no convention center! I thought the shuttles and transportation were very well-handled. The carnival and the seafood festival have proved to be well-attended outdoor attractions. I can see larger outdoor concerts like the Govt Mule show at Festival Park years back. Kudos to all involved with the festival, we have a lot to learn from but it was a HUGE outstanding success.
infojunkie says:
Was the Outer Banks Catch that was served at the Festival purchased from local watermen or thru the large food distributors?
In other words, did the seafood leave the county (state) and then return on a big truck? Or was it purchased from licensed folks right here in NENC?
Anyone know?