MANATEE -- It was hard for Carol Smilowski to resist the allure of the seafood aroma at the Hernando de Soto Historical Society’s annual Seafood Festival Friday evening.

After taking a look at some of the knickknacks the vendors were selling she went straight to the main food tent where dozens of restaurants showed their food.

Smilowski went straight for the coconut shrimp.

“It’s so good,” Smilowski said as she gestured her arms upward. “Everything, the vendors, the food, the band.”

Hundreds gathered along Old Main Street for the first day of the festival. They took in live musical acts as they indulged in some of the best seafood the area has to offer.

The Dweebs were the first band to entertain audiences on the main stage while two other bands performed on other stages at the event.

“It’s a lot of fun and of course we enjoy the music,” said Tina Koutoufaris, owner of Simon’s Food Concessions.

As she prepared her signature crab cakes, she said she understands what makes the fest so popular. “It’s fun and good,” she said.

First time attendee Charan Rightnour agreed.

“This is very nice,” said Rightnour, who recently relocated to Bradenton from Pennsylvania. “I love the seafood and the music is very nice. It’s so beautiful out here at the marina. It’s gorgeous.”

The party really got started as The Dweebs played “What I Like About You,” by The Romantics.

“This band is really good,” David Powers said as he stepped away from the dance floor.

In food terms Friday was just an appetizer before the main event today when performers will hit the stages at 11 a.m. The last band comes on at 8:30 p.m.

“This is only the first night. I’m coming back tomorrow and probably Sunday too,” Powers said.