OCEAN ISLE BEACH - More than 25,000 visitors came from across the country to enjoy live music, arts and crafts and fresh shellfish for the 35th Annual Oyster Festival.
The festival had more than 20 food vendors, offering everything from pulled pork to fried treats.
Organizers said the event benefits the entire beach community.
"Homes get rented in Ocean Isle and the surrounding areas as well, the restaurants are busy and crowded at night, so it’s a great opportunity to enjoy the beach and all it has to offer after summer,” Shannon Viera of Brunswick County Chamber of Commerce said.
A popular event attraction includes the oyster shucking contest.
The winner receives a cash prize and moves on to the national oyster shucking contest in Maryland.