As the temperature gradually warmed, the wind by the sea was no longer so bitterly cold. The sunshine grew brighter, and naturally, more and more people gathered on the beach.
Today, Seaside City had an especially large number of tourists, and everyone held small colorful flags printed with all kinds of fish.
Seaside City was also considered one of the United States' earlier-developed cities. Many of its buildings leaned more toward a Western style. Fishing nets hung from slightly weathered wooden frames, dotted with brightly colored swim rings. A mannequin beside them was dressed head to toe in swimwear, while long fishing rods extended from the rooftops, glinting with specks of light in the brilliant sun.
On the commercial street at the very center of Seaside City, tourists crowded in front of every shop. Inflatable kayaks were their main target, though fishing rods, fish baskets, and bait were selling just as well.
Today was Seaside City's recreational fishing festival, also known as the angling festival. It had been established to develop tourism and make renewed use of the city's increasingly depleted fishing resources.
During the half-month festival, Seaside City held more than a hundred fishing competitions of all sizes. Large competitions offered generous prize money, while smaller ones gave out delicate souvenirs. Whether they were highly skilled professional anglers or fishing enthusiasts from nearby cities, people came in droves.
Spring was a good season for fishing, especially since Seaside City had river tributaries flowing into the sea. As the water warmed, fish became plentiful. Even someone with average fishing skills could get lucky now and then.
On the first day of the festival, the celebratory atmosphere was especially strong. Even by dusk, quite a few fishing boats still drifted over the coastal waters. Many anglers who had not caught much