Day At The Docks in Hatteras Village

September 19th, 2009 was the 5th annual Day At The Docks in Hatteras Village. Always fun this event celebrates the working watermen of Hatteras Island. This year Day At The Docks was held along the waterfront from Oden's Dock to Village Marina. Along the walk, there were many things to see, do and eat! Working watermen were there to demonstrate their craft. You could see net tying, a pound net, the last working skip jack in North Carolina waters, the Ada Mae, along with commercial fishing boats, the charter fishermen, and the Coast Guard.

My family has been going to this event since the beginning, and every year brings something new. Our favorite event is the Hatteras Island Cancer Foundation chowder cook-off. Each year, local restaurants and individuals compete for the best chowder on the island. There are as many ways to make chowder, as there are people to eat it. This year was no exception. There were varieties of the traditional Hatteras Style clam chowder, seafood bisque and fish/crab chowder combos. Unfortunately, we never seem to get there early enough to sample all the chowders as some contestants run out early. After sampling, you get to vote for your favorite. Ours was hands down the Breakwater Restaurant. They made a creamy Tile fish, jalapeno and crab chowder. It was excellent. Second place went to Island Perks from Buxton with a traditional Hatteras (clear base) clam chowder. Third went to the Marlin Club with a Brie and crab chowder. Unfortunately for my family, that was one we were too late for. After that, if you were still hungry, the Methodist Women staff a booth with hot dogs, fish sandwiches and shrimp on a skewer.

After eating our way through the cook-off, there were plenty of activities for our son to do. Sam has participated in the Mullet toss, the blue crab races, the concrete marlin contest, jumping in the creek, fish print tee shirts, the leaky coast guard boat, and the kids fishing tournament. Obviously not places to wear your Sunday best, as the kids always come home smelling like fish. His favorite is the kids fishing tournament. This year, he and a few buddies forgot poles and decided to hand line. Sam caught many little Pin fish but the prize was for longest and heaviest, neither of which they had. After walking and playing around the docks, you can sit and listen to an array of musicians playing in the main area. The day wraps up with a Blessing of the Fleet in the harbor. It was a beautiful day, and as always everyone had lots of fun in Hatteras Village.


Blog entry by Suzie Scholten, Associate Broker, Midgett Realty.