ENGELHARD — After pushing the event to later in the year, the 29^th annual Engelhard Seafood Festival is set for this Saturday.

JoAnn Spencer, who organizes the event, said this year has the largest group of vendors the festival has seen in years.

“Right now, we’re looking at about 32 vendors. … Thirty-two vendors is big for Engelhard,” she said. “I’ve even had vendors call today (Wednesday). I’ve added two new vendors today.”

Spencer said visitors can expect to see crafts and merchandise, funnel cakes, fried candy bars, cotton candy and local seafood. The North Carolina Aquarium in Roanoke Island has also agreed to set up a touch tank, and there will be rides for children, she said.

Spencer said organizers are watching the weather as Tropical Storm Hermine nears the coast and hoping for the best.

“We’re just praying,” she said, adding that the event would not be rescheduled if rained out.

There is no cost to get into the festival, according to Spencer, but there is a cost for the rides and the historic tours, which include the Hyde County Courthouse and Octagon House.

She said she is ready for the big day and for visitors to see what Engelhard has to offer.

“Excited, stressed because of the weather,” Spencer said of how she’s feeling. “I’m just looking forward to an awesome day.”

For more information, visit the Engelhard Seafood Festival Facebook page, or call JoAnn Spencer at 252-588-0508.

 

SCHEDULE: 

9:30 a.m.           Blessing of the fleet (Mattamuskeet docks)
10-10:15 a.m.    Opening ceremony/Little Mr. and Miss Engelhard Pageant
11 a.m.                Historic tour
11:30 a.m.          Engelhard Christian Hearts (live music)
12:15 p.m.          Allison Potter (live music)
1 p.m.                 Historic tour
1:30 p.m.           Jenny Bell Ministries (live music)
2:30 p.m.           PiYo class with Jess Wittemore
3 p.m.                 Chris Gibbs (live music)
3:30 p.m.           Cake and pie contest judging
4-6 p.m.             Steel County Express (live music)
7-10 p.m.           Street dance with DJ Fortino

Update: Due to the incoming tropical storm, the Engelhard Seafood Festival has been cancelled.