Seafood festival brings out a big crowd

ORANGE BEACH, Alabama (WALA) - A huge turnout at the Seafood Festival and Car Show in Orange Beach on Saturday had people thinking tourism is on the way back.

The oil spill crippled tourism along the Gulf Coast in 2010, but at the festival, big crowds looked to be a sign of optimism.

People came out to the Orange Beach Sportsplex to enjoy live music, over 40 arts and crafts vendors, and great food benefitting the Orange Beach Sports Association.

The organizers said they sold over 3,000 plates, which is their biggest success in the festival's 19 year run. Volunteer Jeff Boyd said it was a good sign for the area.

"All the cars that are here, all the people that are here, shows tourism is just back at its peak," said Boyd.

OBSA President Robert Stuart echoed Boyd's comments and said the turnout was a glimpse into the future of tourism.

"It's a great sign and hopefully a showing of what's to come this summer and this spring," he said.

A big contributor to the success was the wonderful weather. Gulf Shores resident Ryan Manning and his family were taking advantage of it.

"It's a nice day, so we're just enjoying ourselves," said Manning.

Greg Grant said the event would even impress his favorite Nascar superstar.

"If Dale Earnhardt, Jr. was here and Dale Earnhardt was here, they would be having a good time, too," said Grant.

It wasn't just the size of the crowd that had organizers optimistic; it was the amount of snowbirds that were in it. Boyd said their presence was the biggest they have ever had.

"We've seen more people from up north coming down here and all of the rentals are up, so it's just great for us," said Boyd.

Organizers said the events success was special in more ways than one. The nightbefore, they lost the man who stated it all: foundering member Kenny Vines.

City Councilman and Vice President of OBSA Jeff Silvers said it was hard carrying on without Vines, but it is what he would have wanted.

"He was a great guy. He had it in his heart for these children to start a program like this and we pay tribute to him today," said Silvers.

All of the proceeds from the food sales went to help pay for uniforms and other needs of the organization's softball, tee-ball and baseball leagues.

The money will also provide scholarships and benefit area school's baseball and soft ball programs.