For 27 years, Morehead City in North Carolina has been striving to encourage a positive impact on the social and economic seafood industries. As a large part of their culture and community, from October 4th through the 6th, this not-for-profit celebration shows appreciation to the sea and its creatures for the wealth and health they have provided. The Blessing of the Fleet is one of the first of thanksgivings. Here, the community shows appreciation for the resource and those who work in the industry as a fleet of over thirty boats line the port. Of course, showing thanks also comes in the form of celebration. Guests to the festival cast their lines in the family fishing tournament and marvel at the craftsmanship at the boat show and outdoor expo. But, the real excitement comes from Sugarloaf Island where sparks of flashing fireworks like up the sky and reflect over Bogue Sound.
The Seafood Festival is full of family fun, and the Flounder Fling is a hit for all ages year after year. Fling your flounder into a frying pan, and those who fling it the farthest (according to size) and land in the frying pan two out of three times, win an “I flung a flounder” t-shirt. And, who better to kick off the Flounder Fling than Miss North Carolina herself? After you’ve flung your flounder, learn the secrets of area restaurants’ special dishes at Cooking with the Chefs or head to the Chef’s Competition where local chefs compete against one another while creating mouth-watering seafood cuisine. Before you leave, take a stroll along Morehead City waterfront where the Sailing Regatta cruises along for a final pleasant site.