More than 25,000 people turned out for the 13th Annual Highlands Clam Festival, a four-day seafood fest fit for a king.

The event, which included rides and games, meant plenty of shucking for local clammers.

Organizers say the festival was started so people would know what Highlands has to offer. Highlands is known as the gateway to the Jersey Shore. It is only one-half square mile, but has 20 restaurants and one local restaurateur sells his clams nationwide.

Jay Cosgrove, whose great-grandfather opened Bahrs Landing Restaurant in 1917, said, ?Our customers all over said ?why don't you can that chowder???

There was also a clam-eating contest. The winner chowed down 94 clams.