MOREHEAD CITY, N.C. -- The 32nd annual North Carolina Seafood Festival has been canceled this year due to Hurricane Florence.
- Festival was originally scheduled Oct. 5-7
- Mixed reviews from business owners and other issues caused the festival's board of directors to cancel the event
- The board says it plans to have a one-day music and food event Nov. 3 to benefit Carteret County and neighboring areas
The three-day festival was scheduled Oct. 5-7. It typically draws more than 200,000 people to the city each year.
The storm devastated several areas on the coast, and mixed reviews from business owners caused the festival's board of directors to cancel the event. Organizers felt trash, parking and hotel accommodations for guests would be issues.
However, the board says it plans to have a one-day music and food event Nov. 3 to benefit Carteret County and neighboring areas.
“The brand of the North Carolina Seafood Festival and the magnitude of impact that it brings to the area can never be replicated with a different date. This event will have a totally different look, mission and purpose. We look forward to crafting this event for our recovering community,” said festival Executive Director Stephanie McIntyre.
The benefit event will be held on the Morehead City working waterfront.