Vendors scurried around J.F. Gregory Park Friday afternoon, setting up booths and tents in anticipation of the 18th Great Ogeechee Seafood Festival.

The midway stood silent, ready for swarms of riders and musical acts did sound checks on the stage.

“We couldn’t get the really big stage,” laughed Tim Proffitt, chairman of the GOSF committee.

Gone is the white structure that sat in the park for years, replaced by a massive stage that will host several acts, including headliner 38 Special on Saturday night.

For a complete guide to the festival, including the entertainment schedule, prices, vendors, parking information and more, please see http://www.bryancountynews.com/section/101/article/51021/.

Proffitt said getting rid of the amphitheater allows for more room — about an additional three acres — from which attendees can enjoy the stage acts and a fireworks display Saturday night.

A stroll through the pavilion is a pleasant assault on the senses, with everything from seafood to barbeque to peach cobbler and funnel cakes ready to be consumed.

A variety of arts and crafts also are for sale, along with various non-profit groups ready to share information about their respective missions.

For an ongoing photo slide show of the weekend, please see http://www.bryancountynews.com/seafoodfest17/.