On an unseasonably warm October afternoon at the University’s Hugh R. Sharp Campus in Lewes, Del., a crowd of about 30 people, mostly children, squeezed under an exhibit tent. A volunteer standing among the onlookers placed a small crab into each of two long channels of water. As the crustaceans scuttled across their respective racetracks, the kids jumped up and down, screaming for the critter they chose to win.

Shawn Evans, whose daughter picked the heat’s victor, Neville, explained why he and so many other families make it a tradition to attend Coast Day, which showcases the state’s ocean and coastal resources, as well as the work of College of Marine and Earth Studies researchers and their partners. Between 9,000 and 10,000 people attended this year’s event.

“We live close to the beach, and she likes the water,” Evans said as his daughter admired her prize, a toy car. “I like the education part for her because she’s learning a lot.”

Similar scenes of children and parents connecting with coastal wildlife and habitats happened throughout the 31st annual Coast Day, whose theme was “Making the Coastal Connection.” In Cannon Lab, next to the crab races, a display taught visitors how to protect their watershed; across the street, touch tanks let people pet animals such as sand sharks and horseshoe crabs.

“There are people here from across this country this week because they want to come to the marine labs and see what’s happening,” Delaware Gov. Ruth Ann Minner said at the event. “Coast Day represents the best of the best in events to teach and to share our coast together.”