TOPSAIL BEACH, N.C. -- Despite nearing cancellation because of Hurricane Florence, the 30th annual Autumn with Topsail festival was hosted this weekend.

• Every year the event is on the grounds of the Historic Society of Topsail Island's Assembly Building
• After Florence, fundraising was even more important
• While similar attractions typically bring out large numbers of community members, some vendors said fewer people seem to have come out this year

Every year the event is on the grounds of the Historic Society of Topsail Island's Assembly Building.

"The building was built by the department of the Navy for a secret project that was going on out here called Operation Bumblebee, where they were testing ramjet engines, and so the building has been here since the 40's," said Rick Stidley, Autumn with Topsail festival Chairman.

Upkeep of the building is why they host the festival every year as their major fundraiser.

Stidley said after Florence, fundraising was even more important.

"The water was actually in the building," said Stidley. "And so, we had to put a new roof on. We had to replace the carpet, lots of other things."

What brings the community out every year are bands playing, food trucks lined up, and local vendors with handmade crafts.

"We don't allow any retail sales, and so that is a big draw for people coming here," said Stidley. "They know they're going to get a quality hand-crafted product."

People shopping around also said they like that the vendors are local.

"You see lots of friends and neighbors, and people that you know that have these wonderful crafts out here and, of course, they're locally made," said Anna Gaskins, a Holly Ridge resident.

While attractions like this one typically bring out large numbers of community members, some vendors said fewer people seem to have come out this year.

"Had a few vendors say they thought maybe there wasn't quite as many people as in the past," said Dock Lindley, a 20-year vendor at the festival. "You know, I'm not doing quite as well as I normally do here, but you know that's sort of to be expected considering the situation."

Stidley said last year the Historic Society was able to raise almost $50,000 during the Autumn with Topsail festival, but this year they're just hoping for the best.

He adds that no matter how much money they raise, this was an event the community needed.

"For the first time since we were allowed back on the island, people weren't talking about the damage to their homes," said Stidley. "They weren't talking about how, you know, my roof blew off. They really had an opportunity to take their mind off all the stuff that has gone on out here."