News Summary
The CrabDaddy Seafood and Wine Festival in Jarvisburg welcomed 1,000 attendees despite a crab shortage, showcasing a delightful array of culinary offerings and live music. With 90 bushels of blue crabs served alongside tasty fried fish and barbecue, festival-goers enjoyed a vibrant atmosphere filled with dancing and entertainment. Notable performances by local bands enhanced the experience, making it a memorable event for guests celebrating community spirit.
Jarvisburg—The CrabDaddy Seafood and Wine Festival achieved a record attendance on October 4, 2025, at Sanctuary Vineyards, welcoming 1,000 guests amidst a shortage of crabs. This sold-out event featured approximately 90 bushels of blue crabs, totaling an estimated 7,200 crabs served to attendees.
The culinary offerings extended beyond crabs, as festival-goers enjoyed an array of food options, including fresh-fried fish, barbecue, cole slaw, mac salad, and hush puppies. The crabs were prepared in large steaming vats and served in paper boats or wrapped in butcher paper, contributing to the casual, festive atmosphere.
Hunter Stuart, a key member of the commercial crabbing crew, was instrumental in catching the 90 bushels of crabs with his team, which included Seth LaBounty, Kyle Pleasant, and his son Chilton Stuart. Initially anticipating a larger supply, Stuart sold 15 bushels prior to the festival.
The day was not without its challenges, as technical electrical issues delayed the start of performances by the Daniel Jordan Band. Once those issues were resolved, the band opened with Jason Aldean’s “Hicktown” and concluded with Prince’s “Purple Rain.” Trae Pierce and the T-Stones followed, delivering songs from well-known artists including Michael Jackson and the Ohio Players. Trae Pierce, a four-time Grammy Award-winning bassist known for his work with the Ohio Players, energized the audience with his musical performance alongside his father, Rae Pierce, who engaged attendees with dancing.
The festival’s commitment to enhancing attendee experience extended to complimentary CrabDaddy wine glasses distributed to all guests. Additionally, Isabel Steeley, a line cook from I Got Your Crabs in Kitty Hawk, played a role in serving the hot, steamed blue crabs. The barbecue was provided by Spare Parts, a vendor recognized for their exceptional cooking over the years.
To streamline the experience, the festival focused on a limited selection of food items, which proved effective in maintaining a lively atmosphere. Despite warm weather, attendees enjoyed a vibrant ambiance, relishing food and music while dancing on a small concrete dance floor.
Among the attendees were Bridgett and Vernice Jones from Williamsburg, VA, who were celebrating Vernice’s birthday. They expressed their enjoyment of both the music and the diverse array of food available at the festival. The smell of fresh-fried fish, cooked by Leon Powell and his family, added to the festive feel of the event. Participating in the entertainment, attendees also enjoyed line dancing led by Katie Byers from Let’s Dance OBX, with community members such as Andrea Thomas and Lisa Rippingale joining in.
The CrabDaddy Seafood and Wine Festival successfully combined culinary delights, lively music, and community spirit, resulting in a memorable and enjoyable day for all attendees. The extraordinary turnout amidst crab shortages highlighted the festival’s strong appeal and the commitment of those involved in its execution.
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Additional Resources
- The Coastland Times
- Wikipedia: Seafood Festival
- The Coastland Times: Crab Preparation
- Google Search: Crab Supply Chains
- The Coastland Times: Crab Fishing Guide
- Google Scholar: Crab Fishing Techniques
- The Coastland Times: Local Bands
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Music Festival
- The Coastland Times: Community Spirit
- Google News: Seafood and Wine Festivals
Author: STAFF HERE WILLIAMSBURG WRITER
WILLIAMSBURG STAFF WRITER The WILLIAMSBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREWilliamsburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Williamsburg, James City County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Williamsburg Farmers Market, Yorktown Market Days, and Busch Gardens Food & Wine Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Williamsburg Chamber of Commerce and Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, plus leading businesses in education and hospitality that power the local economy such as College of William & Mary, The Williamsburg Winery, and Sodexo. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREVirginiaBeach.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Virginia's dynamic landscape.
