The Poquoson Seafood Festival returns Oct. 14-16 after a two-year hiatus because of the pandemic. It pays tribute to the working watermen of the Chesapeake Bay and the city’s heritage.
The festival started in 1981 with a small celebration at the Poquoson Marina that featured an art show and highlighted area businesses. Attendance grew and the festival relocated to the Poquoson Municipal Park a couple of years later where it remains today.
Now in its 40th year, the event attracts about 50,000 people over three days for food, entertainment and art.
Arrive hungry and stay late. The Farm Fresh Food Pavilion has the stomach covered for the entire festival. Look for longtime vendor Graham & Rollins, who is one of Virginia’s largest crab producers. Captain Harrell’s Seafood is back dipping fresh flounder in batter and frying it up. Those with an exotic palate can once again grab alligator bites from Hammerheads Cajun Cuisine. Attendees can also find other favorites such as shrimp, clams, oysters, fish tacos, chicken-on-a-stick, fried brownies and Snickers and more.
Add kettle corn from Holloway Moore American Legion Post and barbecue from the Kiwanis to the list. This is a fundraiser for them. Civic and community groups collect thousands of dollars each year but have missed the opportunity during the festival’s two-year break.
The workboat races kicked off the festivities on Sept. 18 at Messick Point. It showcased workboats and traditions of the watermen on the Back River. Some of the trophy winners, according to the Chesapeake Bay Deadrise Workboat Races social media page, included Kenneth Heath, King of the Bay, large diesel; James Milburn, King of the Bay, small diesel; and Bobby Swords, King of the Bay Outboard.
The family-friendly festival resumes next week. The first night begins at 5 p.m. with entertainment by the Poquoson High School Islander Band. Listen to Slapnation Band perform at 6 p.m. on the Municipal Field Stage. Stick around until 9:45 p.m. to watch the fireworks display by Dominion Fireworks.
The second day might require sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat. The grounds open at 10 a.m. with a full schedule. Take the children to a puppet show and visit the baby zoo to pet the animals. Concerts take place on the main stage throughout the afternoon and evening. It includes the sounds of The Heather Edwards Band, Soul Patch and Crazy X. Bring chairs and blankets.
The third day has similar activities as the first two, except it features The Bill Miles Band at 1 p.m., The Deloreans at 3:30 p.m., and other great artists. This is also a good time to take a final look at the 160 arts and crafts at this year’s juried art show. Handmade items range from soaps to paintings to jewelry. The Poquoson Art League has organized the art show since the festival’s debut.
“I have really missed it; I’m excited to see it return,” Andrea Forrest, the arts and crafts coordinator for the Poquoson Seafood Festival, said.
Rekaya Gibson, rekaya.gibson@virginiamedia.com, 757-295-8809; on Twitter @gibsonrekaya
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If you go
Where: Poquoson Municipal Park, 830 Poquoson Ave., Poquoson.
Hours: 5-10 p.m. Oct. 14, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Oct. 15, 12:30 to 6:30 p.m. Oct. 16.
General Parking: 51 Odd Road. $10 (cash only).
Details: poquosonseafoodfestival.com; 757-868-3580
