ORANGE BEACH, Ala. — The 17th annual Orange Beach Seafood Festival will unfold this Valentine’s Day.

Arts and crafts, live music, a car show and children’s activities are all on the menu, including seafood.

City Councilman Jeff Silvers said the frying and grilling will start early and patrons can get their $10 plates as soon as 10 a.m.

Fish, shrimp, corn fritters, cole slaw and Southern grits will be served up for a good cause, and is sponsored by Blalock Seafood.

As the primary fundraiser for the Orange Beach Sports Association, a big crowd is needed this Saturday at the Orange Beach Sportsplex.

Soccer, football, basketball, cheerleading, softball and baseball programs, with kids from four and a half years old to 14, will all benefit from the fundraiser.

The festival is an effort put forth by the association, and the city has always helped supply equipment, offset registration fees and provide scholarships for those who can’t afford the fee or equipment.

“With the economic times, and the way they are now, there might be more kids out there now that aren’t able to participate,” Parks and Recreation superintendent Danny Martin said.

Mayor Tony Kennon, who will be rolling up his sleeves for the event, said that no matter what, he and the city will do whatever it takes to ensure every child interested is able to play.

“We’re going to have to rely on the Sports Association to help out with expenses that in the past the city has paid for,” Martin said.

The role sports play in a child’s life is irreplaceable, according to Martin. Youth players develop discipline, teamwork, responsibility and a long list of other important characteristics.

The city of Orange Beach sports philosophy follows the American Sport Education Program. They believe kids play sports first to have fun, then learn skills to improve.

He said the sports program believes it is more important for the kids to better themselves than to win.

“If we can develop their self confidence, their self esteem and let them have a drive about them … we feel like sports play a part in that,” Martin said.

Kennon said he plans to see Orange Beach develop in to the youth sports capitol of the south. He hopes to do everything possible to build weekend tournament participation.

Kennon also said they intend to work with the middle school and high school in Gulf Shores to build a strong relationship.