In 2003 Hurricane Isabel hit the Outer Banks with winds of 105 mph. A few days before landfall Isabel had been as strong as 165 mph. The intense storm surge slammed into Hatteras Village and tore up businesses, homes, historical buildings, and the landscape. A year later the village showed it was not a community that gives up on a place by celebrating the livelihood that depends on the very thing that caused so much damage. The sea.
A Day at the Docks has been growing ever since. This year, despite a wet and drizzly day, had one of the largest crowds seen yet. People from all over the island were joined by people from all over the country to celebrate the men and women who work on the water.
There were exhibits on fish species and cooking challenges, crab races and fishing contests, old stories and new music, all throughout the day. Our own Frisco Sandwich Company won 2nd place for their Seafood Chowder in the Chowder cookoff! It was delicious!
The kids Dockside Fishing Contest kept the judges busy with over 100 kids angling for top prize. Families stayed alongside coaching their kids and keeping watch on them. Frisco Rod and Gun’s Joe Kavanagh (age 6) even won a prize for the most Rare Catch by reeling in a Grouper! The big winners in the contest were Overall/Grand Prize Winner – Heaviest Pinfish 1st place was Ruby Shoemaker, Overall/Grand Prize Winner – Longest Fish 1st Joey Gavetti with a 32” Stingray!
Come join Hatteras Village next September for A Day at the Docks and celebrate life on the water!
Natalie Perry Kavanagh