Nags Head Celebrates the 12th Annual Outer Banks Seafood Festival
As the sun rises over Nags Head, a wave of excitement builds for the Outer Banks Seafood Festival, a beloved event that has been bringing the community together for over a decade. This year marks the festival’s 12th anniversary, and organizers are gearing up for an incredible turnout, expecting around 10,000 attendees from both near and far!
Celebrating Local Watermen and Women
The festival isn’t just about good food; it’s about honoring the hardworking watermen and women who bring the freshest seafood to our tables. Richard Hess, chairman of the OBX Seafood Festival, expressed the festival’s mission clearly: “We really want to highlight the working watermen and women out of the Outer Banks that bring in the best seafood in the world. And we want to promote their hard work, so we have this festival to do that.” It’s heartwarming to see such dedication to those who often toil behind the scenes to deliver prized catches.
Highlighting Local Seafood
Did you know that some restaurants in the Outer Banks don’t always feature seafood caught right here in our own waters? That’s something the festival aims to change! This year, 13 local restaurants will showcase their menus with an emphasis on locally caught seafood. “We wanted to really focus with the restaurants on featuring local seafood, because a lot of times when people go to restaurants, they don’t realize the seafood they’re eating is not local,” Hess explains.
The Challenges Fishermen Face
This event serves a dual purpose as it also sheds light on the challenges faced by fishermen, including unpredictable weather and strict regulations from the state. Woody Joyner, president of North Carolina Watermen United, noted, “If those 12 to 14 days fall when a hurricane comes, those times aren’t extended on the back end or extended on the front end, you just don’t harvest.” This underscores the uncertainty that fishermen contend with and how important public support is to their success.
Additionally, regulations set by the Department of Marine Fisheries and the Marine Fisheries Commission often tighten the window for catching certain species, like flounder. Joyner added, “The flounder season gets shorter and shorter for both commercial and recreational fishing year by year.” It’s a crucial reminder of the delicate balance between sustainability and the needs of local fishermen.
Join in the Fun!
This year’s festival kicks off at 10 a.m. and will go until 6 p.m. on Saturday at Soundside Park, located at 6800 S. Croatan Highway. With plenty of delicious seafood to taste, live music to enjoy, and various activities to keep everyone entertained, it promises to be a fabulous day!
However, it’s essential to note that there is no on-site parking available for this highly anticipated event. But don’t worry! A free shuttle service will operate from First Flight High School, ensuring everyone can join the festivities without the hassle of parking.
As you dive into the various culinary treasures and soak in the vibrant atmosphere, make sure to visit the educational tent. Speaking with fishermen and festival representatives can provide valuable insight into the challenges they face. Joyner urges attendees, “Have a great time. Listen to the music. Have some great food, but please come to the educational tent, and talk to us.”
This festival is not just a celebration of seafood; it’s a chance to build connections within the community and learn about the vital role that our local watermen and women play in sustaining our rich maritime heritage.
So mark your calendars and get ready for a day filled with great food, delightful music, and insightful conversations at the Outer Banks Seafood Festival!
Author: STAFF HERE OUTER BANKS WRITER
The OBX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOBX.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in the Outer Banks, Dare County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Outer Banks Seafood Festival, NC VIP Fishing Tournament, and NCBBA Red Drum Tournament. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce and Outer Banks Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in tourism, retail, and hospitality that power the local economy such as Kitty Hawk Kites, Outer Banks Mall, and Avon Fishing Pier. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, and HERERaleigh.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
