ORANGE BEACH, Ala. — Despite the weather, the 2009 Orange Beach Seafood Festival and Car Show, sponsored by Blalock Seafood, was held at the Orange Beach Sportsplex on Feb. 14.

Almost 800 plates of seafood were sold and the event T-shirts were sold out by 4 p.m.

“I just have to thank everyone,” said Robert Stuart, Orange Beach Sports Association president. “The way all the volunteers pulled together, even though the rain was coming down hard that morning, really made this year special. Despite nature’s attempts to keep us down, the event turned out really well.

“Denny and Debra Busbee did a terrific job with the car show and we were happy with the number of cars that turned out. I want to thank Michelle Russ and the Convention and Visitor’s Bureau with all of their support. Blalock Seafood was our title sponsor again this year and I want to thank Pete Blalock for that. I especially want to thank Mayor Tony Kennon and Councilman Jeff Silvers for not only volunteering their personal time but for allowing the city of Orange Beach to be a co-sponsor this year.”

The Sports Association is still tabulating expenses and collecting money from sponsorships so the final total will not be complete until the end of the week.

The event is presented by the Orange Beach Sports Association in cooperation with the city of Orange Beach.

This festival is the major fundraising event for the Orange Beach Sports Association to support youth sports-related activities in Orange Beach.

Proceeds from the event are used to purchase uniforms, equipment, insurance, and pay officials for the youth T-ball, baseball and softball program.

The OBSA also sponsors various tournaments and clinics throughout the year and makes contributions to local youth-based programs.