Nags Head Gears Up for the 12th Annual Outer Banks Seafood Festival Celebrating Local Watermen

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!