They come down by car along Route 3. Some journey via train on the Cape Cod Central Railroad. Others come by boat and land at Onset Pier.

From there they take the bus to what the American Bus Association recognizes as one of the "Top 100 Events in North America." All totaled, the visitors will total more than 50,000.

The 43rd Annual Bourne Scallop Festival will be held at Buzzards Bay Park from Friday, September 21, to Sunday, September 23.

“We have people from all over the country that come here," said Marie Oliva, president and CEO of the Cape Cod Canal Region Chamber of Commerce, which coordinates the event. "It's a family-oriented event. We have something for everybody, including non-stop entertainment.”

New this year will be an expanded food court featuring local restaurants such as Lindsey's Family Restaurant in East Wareham and T-Bones BBQ of Plymouth. Also new will be a book signing - Elaine Tammi and Karin A. Tammi will be signing copies of their cookbook, "Scallops - A New England Coastal Cookbook," on Saturday.

Entrain will perform on Saturday at 7 p.m., making this year the band's second visit to the festival.

"Entrain came two years ago. ... People wanted them back, so we said, 'Sure, We'll have 'em back,'" said Oliva.

The festival will take place rain or shine from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday. General admission is $5 per person. Children under age 12 are admitted for free.

More than 6,000 pounds of scallops are predicted to be consumed at the festival, but there will also be herb-roasted chicken, lobster rolls, chowder, a raw bar, hot dogs, and other culinary offerings if scallops aren't your thing.

A combination ticket that includes a scallop dinner and admission costs $22 at the event and $20 if bought in advance. A chicken dinner combination ticket costs $19 at the event and $17 in advance.

The festival takes place under two large tents covering approximately 40,000 square feet.

In addition to entertainment featuring local and nationally known bands, a professional crafts and arts fair will be put on by Castleberry Fairs and Festivals. Rides and games are offered by Rockwell Amusements.

Rockwell Amusement will offer a “Wrist Band Night” on Friday. Families can purchase a $22 wrist band per person and ride all the rides from Friday at 3 p.m. to close at 10 p.m.

Proceeds from the festival fund the Chamber’s scholarship program for four area high schools, help three local food pantries and Friends of the Bourne Council on Aging, and contribute to the operation of two visitor centers that service the traveling public.

For more information, visit bournescallopfest.com.