Shrimp Festival plans moving forward

By Melanie LeCroy / melanie@gulfcoastmedia.com
Posted 8/18/21

For 49 years the Annual National Shrimp Festival has been a tradition on the Gulf Coast. COVID-19 forced the cancellation of the fun filled weekend in 2020 but the planning is full steam ahead on …

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Shrimp Festival plans moving forward

Posted

For 49 years the Annual National Shrimp Festival has been a tradition on the Gulf Coast. COVID-19 forced the cancellation of the fun filled weekend in 2020 but the planning is full steam ahead on this year’s event planned for Oct. 7-10.

Coastal Business Chamber staff and Shrimp Festival Committee members have been working closely with the city of Gulf Shores and released the following statement Aug. 11:

“Plans for the 2021 Annual National are moving forward at this time even though COVID conditions are not looking good at the moment. As more vaccinations are administered and the spike begins to drop, which history shows it will, organizers are hopeful that the human condition will improve over the next two months. By the time October gets here the situation should be much improved and residents and visitors should feel better about attending the event. The festival footprint is larger than it has ever been, there is plenty of room to socially distance and the design will reflect that.

If you're not comfortable with attending, don't attend. If you are comfortable, come on in, be responsible with your distancing and respect each other. The accommodations managers we're speaking with tell us that reservations are still very high for those dates so the people are going to be here. The Annual National Shrimp Festival is going to be available to them as an outdoor event full of art, food, music, shopping and play. The committee has been planning for and will put on a first-class event as responsibly as possible and we hope the visitors attend as responsibly and enjoy themselves.”

The festival has a lineup of events starting Sept. 10 and running through the end of the festival. This year’s festivities kick off with the 28th Annual National Shrimp Festival Golf Challenge for Education Sept. 10 at Craft Farms Golf Resort. The annual tournament is one of the coast’s most anticipated tournaments of the year. Not only does it raise money for education; it is a top level networking event for business, industry and education leaders. Cash prizes, hole-in-one challenge, and interactive experiences out on the course are just a few things you can expect from a fun, safe, and socially distant day out on the link.

Every great festival has a royal court and the Shrimp Festival is no exception. The Miss Shrimp Festival Pageant takes place Sept. 11 at the Gulf Shores Cultural Center. Young ladies ranging from pre-K through 12th grade will compete for a title and the honor of representing the Shrimp Festival. The winner in the 11-12 grade category will also win a $500 scholarship. The pageant is presented by Coastal Alabama Business Chamber and the National Annual Shrimp Festival. All proceeds are donated to Orange Beach Elementary and Gulf Shores Elementary school.

The pageant isn’t the only way to win scholarship money at the Shrimp Festival. Singing for Scholarships is a contest like none other. The singing competition features students chosen to represent their high school on the festival stage. Scholarships are awarded to the top three participants as well as each of their high schools. First place wins $1,000. The deadline to apply is Sept. 17. For more information, email Allison Pryor at shrimpfestivalSFS@gmail.com.

Looking to run off a few of those Shrimp Festival treats? Registration is open for the Shrimp Festival Run that is scheduled for Oct. 9 on the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail at 7 a.m. Runners have the option of a 5K or 10K. To register, visit myshrimpfest.com.

The entertainment line-up for this year’s event will keep the crowds dancing al weekend long. Friday is tribute bad night with Livin’ On A Prayer: A Bon Jovie Tribute and Never Stop Believin’: A Journey Tribute on the East State. Highway To Hell: The Ultimate AC/DC Tribute Band and Absolute Queen Rocks will be on the West Stage. On Saturday night country singer-songwriter Trent Tomlinson will take the West Stage while The Velcro Pygmies take the East Stage. For a full list of entertainers, visit myshrimpfest.com/entertainment.

This volunteer-driven event has been a tradition on the beautiful beaches of Coastal Alabama for 49 years. Food, music, art and so much more make up an action-packed weekend with nearly 250,000 of your closest friends.

For more information about any of these events, visit myshrimpfest.com