As with tradition, the layout for the day is fairly simple, with restaurants offering their food sample sample creations, an "Iron Chef"-type competition as well as events and activities for the children.

"The Hilton Head Island Sea food event grows bigger and better each year," said Andrew Carmines, Hudson's general manager and event co-organizer. The area's finest of sea food restaurants are able to gather together in one venue at the same time. Approximately 10 restaurants will be serving up delicious and unique sea food samples, including Salty Dog, Hudson's, Black Marlin, L'Woods, Bluffton Oyster Company and many others. Inspired by the popular Food Network show --The "Iron Chef" challenge, as tradition will kick off-- once again with local chefs competing against each other, using their individualized unique ingredients and whipping up creations in an hour.

Although, there are more entertainment and activities than just the sea food-themed variations. Entertainment will be provided by beach music band, Bluegrass-y Lowcountry Boil and The Headliners. The kid's zone will feature activities such as laser tag and bounce houses. Local artists display their wares and the crab races will get underway. The silent auction offers private dinners and vacation packages. In addition,The Italian American Club of Hilton Head will also host its annual bocce tournament located at the Shelter Cove veterans memorial.

The annual sea food festival is the primary fundraiser for the David M. Carmines Foundation. David Carmines is the son of Hudson's restaurant owners Brian and Gloria Carmines. Passing away from cancer in 2001. The sea food festival began in the '80s as part of the tourism-boosting SpringFest in March. Following David Carmine's death, it became the Water Festival in honor of his love for the waters he grew up playing around as a child. However, a transfer from Hudson's to Shelter Cove Community Park dampened enthusiasm for a water-related event. So, the Sea food Festival was re-organized in 2008 and remains sponsored by Hudson's and Coligny Plaza.

Over 3,000 people attend the festival every year raising nearly $80,000 for the American Cancer Society, the Island Recreation Association Scholarship fund and the M.D. Anderson Cancer Research Center.