Events

Crab Races

Pamlico Sound is rich with blue crabs, locally referred to as hard crabs.  The hard crab races are designed for little children.  Each child is assigned a crab in a lane.  When the chute opens, the cheering and gentle prodding begins as they encourage their crab to head for the finish line.  The crabs don't always cooperate and the children enjoy their antics as the crabs sometimes go every way but in the right direction.

Fishing Contest

The highlight of the day for most children and their families is the fishing contest.  There is no entry fee, no experience is required and a simple pole is provided for those who do not bring their own gear.  The contest is judged by members of some of the women's surf fishing teams from the island.  Awards are made in a number of categories.  As many as 108 children have been known to participate.  Registration is at Jeffery's Seafood and fishing starts at 1pm.

Concrete Marlin Contest

The premier competition of the day is the Concrete Marlin Contest. Professional captains and mates vie against each other and time as they "hook" and "gaff" a concrete cylinder that replicates the weight of a fighting marlin.  It has become so popular that a new division, The Concrete Sailfish, has been added for the younger fishermen. Due to the popularity, a new division for youth was added two years ago , the Concrete Sailfish and this year, a women's division has also been added.

11:30 AM at Willis Boat Landing