MOREHEAD CITY, N.C. -- The 31st annual North Carolina Seafood Festival wrapped up in Morehead City Sunday.

The three-day event attracted more than 200,000 people at the waterfront. Over 200 vendors lined the streets.

Vendors say it's a perfect way to educate the community on the rich Carolina fishing industry.

"People come here that want to try the shrimp burger and say, 'How can we get this shrimp?' and we've actually linked them with commercial fisherman this weekend," said David Lewis of the Marshallberg Community Club. "It's an opportunity to showcase local seafood and that's important for our industry in Carteret County. It's been a heritage since the beginning of time here."

The festival also hosted chef exhibitions, live music and arts and craft vendors from across the country.

Preparations for next year's seafood festival are already underway.