Sea captains extend an invitation to all sailors and landlubbers to join them at the 3rd annual Day at the Docks on September 19, 2009. Festivities will begin on the Hatteras village waterfront at 10:00 a.m. and run until 5:00 p.m., followed by a work boat parade and the annual Blessing of the Fleet. The day brings locals and tourists together on the waterfront where fishing boats, charter boats, and fishing gear are displayed. Century-old workboats, including a traditional North Carolina shad boat, dock next to modern, state-of-the-art vessels.

Captains and crews demonstrate the tools and skills working watermen use at sea. Exhibits feature pound nets, gill nets, trawl nets, tuna kites, and circle hooks. Fishermen and visitors are invited to compete in a net hanging contest, a concrete marlin competition, and a survival suit race.

Professional and home chefs square-off in a chowder cook-off, and Outer Banks families share their special seafood cooking techniques. Special activities for children include a fishing contest, fish identification game, blue crab races, a touch tank, and a scavenger hunt.

Exhibits on fishing regulations, boating safety, seafood recipes, and marine resource conservation are in the big tent, while the working waterfront stage features musicians and story-tellers throughout the day.

There is no admission charge. Lunch featuring fresh local seafood is available at a modest charge.

Guests are also invited to witness the local fishing fleet sailing into the harbor for the Blessing of the Fleet at 6:30 pm. Hatteras Island offers a hearty welcome and invites you to join in this day long festival of our maritime traditions. Visit the Day at the Docks Website for more information.

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