Hatteras village on The Outer Banks of North Carolina will host the fourth annual Day at the Docks celebration on Saturday, Sept. 20.
Festivities will begin on the working waterfront, i.e., the marinas located at the southern end of Hatteras Village, at 10 a.m. and run until 5 p.m.
“We’re bringing back the always-popular chowder cook-off contest, and are increasing the number of seafood cooking demonstrations this year,” said event organizer Lynne Foster. Last year the creamy clam chowder prepared by Diamond Shoals Restaurant in Buxton was voted the best chowder by festival-goers who sampled 13 seafood chowders prepared by professional and home chefs.
Cooking demonstrations feature recipes ranging from traditional favorites, such as fish cakes and stewed fish, to dishes using skate and other unusual species.
Commercial fishing boats, charter boats, and fishing gear will also be on display at the waterfront. Captains and crews will demonstrate the tools and skills working watermen use at sea. Exhibits feature pound nets, gill nets, crab pots, tuna kites, longlines, and circle hooks.
Fishermen and festival-goers are invited to compete in a net hanging contest, a concrete marlin competition, and a survival suit race.
Special activities for children include a fishing contest, fish identification game, blue crab races, and a scavenger hunt.
Exhibits on fishing regulations, boating safety, and marine resource conservation are also in the big tent.
There is no admission charge, and guests are invited to witness the local fishing fleet sail into the harbor at 5:45 p.m. for the Blessing of the Fleet, which will be at 6:30 pm.
This year, there will be dancing on the lawn after Day at the Docks when the Ray Pittman Project performs from the gazebo at the Hatteras Village Community Building. The music, high energy classic soul, and good time rock and roll from this Richmond-based band begins at 8 p.m. The Community Building, which also houses the Hatteras Library, is on Highway 12 in Hatteras village, just a short stroll from the docks. There is no charge for the Day at the Docks or the following dance, and everyone is welcome to attend.
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