Headline Surfer photos / Several thousand people swarm Flagler Avenue on Thursday night for the second annual Shrimp and Seafood Festival that featured not only food samples and drinks, with prices maxed out at $5, but also displays of non-food items, lots of music and activities for children. Above, left two photos, people mill around. In the third photo, children play Twister.
NEW SMYRNA BEACH, Fla. -- Thursday's second annual Shrimp and Seafood Festival on Flagler Avenue drew several thousand people and that made Southeast Volusia Chamber of Commerce President Robert Lott a happy man.
"This is wonderful for our community," Lott said from the front steps of his business on Flagler, Lott Financial Services.
Despite the threat of rain, which didn't happen until well after the event concluded, local eateries and night clubs offered food and drink samples and people were willing to fork over the money for culinary delights.
Marilee Walters, owner of The Sanctuary on Flagler and candidate for mayor, said she and other merchants were pleased with the turnout.
"I think it's wonderful," she said. "We're making money tonight."
Mayor Sally Mackay was on Flagler as well, saying of the event: "It's a great party."