Rating:

0.0 (0 votes)

ROCKPORT -- Prepare for sights, sounds, smells and tastes of all things seafood and maritime! Celebrating Rockport-Fulton's rich maritime heritage, the 38th Annual Rockport Seafair will take place on Friday, October 5, 2012 through Sunday, October 7, 2012 on the fair grounds next to Little Bay.

The family-friendly event includes three days filled with a wide variety of live entertainment, arts and crafts vendors, live crab races, Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP) and cardboard boat races, carnival rides and games, and educational maritime activities.

Last - but not least - is delicious food including gumbo (seafood and non-seafood), desserts, salsa and more!

"There's a little something for everyone! Plus, there's a stellar and diverse musical lineup - Fred Andrews and Honeybrowne, U2 cover band Mysterious Ways, and more as well as the Texaco Country Showdown Texas state finals! Where else can you get all this family fun for less than $10?" said Tiffanie Hoover, Seafair chairwoman.

The festival that was originally created to fill the lull between the summer visitors and the arrival of winter tourists, has grown into a wildly popular event drawing locals and visitor alike.

Funds raised at the 38th Annual Rockport Seafair will retire the debt for the new Rockport-Fulton Visitors' Center and enhance the overall experience in the community. Each year, nearly 30,000 Winter Texans, tourists, and locals visit the facility where they get to experience the true charm that Rockport-Fulton has to offer. Also, many local non-profit organizations will volunteer at Seafair in various capacities including the Rockport-Fulton High School's Choir, Jr. ROTC and Emeralds Dance Team. They will benefit from funds raised.

Entertainment in Two Tents for Three Days!

This musically diverse festival offers a little something for everyone! Friday's Big Tent headliners include Fred Andrews and Honeybrowne who offer expansive country-rock anthems to twangy trot and bluegrass-flavored tunes. In addition, local teen singer-songwriter Samantha Aiken and her band Rodeo Drive will belt out rock, country, blues and powerful originals. The soulful and sassy sounds of Hilda Lamas round out Friday evening. Saturday's Big Tent continues with Jason Allen crooning all things country, Austin's own Fondue Monks bringing their version of "Texas funk," King Corduroy blending blues, soul and roots while Goodnight Avenue performs oldies, classic rock, 80s and some country as one of the Coastal Bend's favorite cover bands. U2 cover band Mysterious Ways from Austin will bring it all home at the end of evening.

A second, more intimate setting is Little Bay Entertainment Tent. Friday finds local gal Jade Patek singing southern rock and Texas country. On Saturday, The Cedar Squeezers and their three guitars slingers, one barefoot drummer and killer sax player will perform their brand of true Texas music, variety band UndisKovered will belt out the sounds of Motown, country, and everything in between, and Texas Blues Runner will take you on a tour of Texas blues and hard rock. Leo Mariani and Randy Jumper will round out Sunday.

NEW THIS YEAR! Texaco Country Showdown - 3:30 p.m. Sunday, October 7

Seafair was selected as one of two Texas state final sites for the 31stAnnual Texaco Country Showdown, America's largest country music talent search (www.texacocountryshowdown.com). Two local female country artists will compete including Hebbronville's 24-year-old Mallory Herrera and 19-year-old Kendra Mendiola from Alice. The girls will compete against 9 other contestants in hopes of advancing to regional finals at the Louisiana State Fair.

Each year, more than 50,000 artists compete in a series of over 450 local, state and regional live Texaco Country Showdown shows produced by country music radio stations throughout the country. Local winners advance to their state events where prizes include $1,000 and the opportunity to compete in one of five regional events. Regional winners receive an all-expense-paid trip to the national final in Nashville to compete for $100,000 and the coveted title, "Best New Act in Country Music." Past local, state, and regional winners include now-national artists Martina McBride, Garth Brooks, Miranda Lambert, Neal McCoy, Sara Evans, Brad Paisley and Billy Ray Cyrus.

Hilarious Live Crab Races - 4p.m. Saturday and Sunday
World's only known crab races take place at Seafair!

You've seen horse, dog - even sack races, but you've never experienced the silliness of the famed, unique Rockport Seafair crab races. For $5, anyone can enter.

Seafair Market Place - all three days

Shopping at its finest! More than 120 artists and craftsmen as well as vendors will showcase their wares - everything from painting, photography, jewelry, wood-working, pottery, home décor, coastal-inspired art of all kinds, specialized fishing lures, leather goods and more. Old Time Photography will also be there to help capture family memories.

Carnival Rides & Games - all three days; 11 a.m. until closing

Take in the sights, sounds, and smells of Seafair atop a Ferris Wheel and experience a variety of thrilling rides and midway filled with games for children and adults, as well as a fun house. Children's activity tents offer face-painting and the opportunity for kids to create their own fish prints.

Seafood Gumbo Cook-Off & "No Rules" Gumbo Cook-Off - 11 a.m.; Saturday & Sunday

Gumbo Alley will host individuals or teams competing for the title of Champion Seafood Gumbo King or Queen on Saturday. 1st, 2nd, 3rd, Showmanship and People's Choice will be awarded. On Sunday, "No Rules" gumbo will be on deck - anything and everything from chicken to alligator. One trophy will be awarded for People's Choice here. All gumbo, both days, is $2 per cup.

Chef Cooking Demonstration Tent - 11 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 2 p.m., 3:30 p.m., and 5 p.m.; Saturday

Enjoy fabulous seafood delights prepared by local and out-of-town culinary chefs. Taste shrimp etoufee, seafood kabobs, shrimp with pasta, cilantro and other local dishes all featuring shrimp and crab.

"Just Desserts" Bake-Off & Salsa-Making Competition - 11 a.m.; Sunday

Ah ... the sweet life! Contestants showcase and offer samplings of their prized and coveted dessert recipes for everything from brownies, decadent cakes, mouth-watering pies, cookies, cup cakes and candies to anything that will wow Seafair's distinguished panel of judges. And, if you're looking for a little spicy fun, try the fantastic line-up of salsa entries.

SUP (Stand Up Paddleboard) Board Races - Saturday; Check in 8:30 a.m.; Race starts 9 a.m.

Back by popular demand, SUP races are back for a second year. The race around Key Allegro is designed for all levels of SUP board enthusiasts ages 15 to 65. Bring your own SUP board, paddle, leash, and approved life jacket. Cruise under Key Allegro Bridge into Aransas Bay and finish at Blue Water Beach.

Cardboard Boat Races - Saturday; Check in starting at 8:30a.m.; Judging and racing start 12 Noon

All aboard! Kids and kids-at-heart, 8 years old up to 88 are invited to create their own cardboard boats and race them in Little Bay. Prizes for both team and individuals in several age divisions include Fastest Finish (1st, 2nd, and 3rd), People's Choice (spectators vote for their favorite boat and crew), Rah! Rah! Award (most spirited) and Titanic Award (most spectacular sinking!).

Car Show - Sunday 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Give us a brake ... and a snazzy paint job and sweet engine. This year's Seafair includes a car show filled with classic and antique cars, muscle cars, contemporary cars and motorcycles. Come see a '67 Camero, 2013 Porsche Carrera Sport, Viper, 2006 Ford GT black-on-black 40th Anniversary edition (only 4,000 made in U.S.!), 2005 Lotus Elise, a 2004 Ferrari Spider 360 and more!

Boat Show (all three days) & Parade (10 a.m. Saturday)

See the latest and greatest on-the-water fun as boat dealers from Aransas Pass and Rockport bring more than 30 bay boats and airboats for display. And, everybody loves a parade! From Market to Magnolia Streets, local Rockport-Fulton organizations such as bands, baton twirlers, dance troupes, cheerleaders will strut their stuff.

Now in its 38th year, the Rockport Seafair celebrates autumn's arrival at what we call the Charm of the Texas Coast. Designed with families in mind, the three-day festival features an old-fashioned parade, Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP) races and the wildly popular crab races. It also includes arts and crafts vendors as well as gumbo, dessert and salsa cook-offs. Experts are on hand to provide education about the Gulf Coast. Throughout the weekend, live entertainment delights dance and music fans. Previous headliners have included Shania Twain, Bruce Robison and Kelly Willis. The Rockport-Fulton Chamber of Commerce oversees the festival and committee that attracts approximately 20,000 people each year.

For more information, click here.