Yemassee Celebrates 30th Shrimp Festival: A Weekend of Fun and Festivities!
Last weekend, the charming town of Yemassee came alive with excitement as it celebrated its 30th Shrimp Festival. The festival, aptly themed “Shrimply the Best,” saw both locals and visitors coming together from October 10-12 to enjoy a wide variety of events, delicious food, and vibrant entertainment.
A Heartfelt Welcome
As the festival wrapped up, Yemassee Town Administrator Matt Garnes shared his appreciation for the wonderful turnout. “As we reflect on this past weekend’s Shrimp Festival, we want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who came out to support this wonderful celebration,” he said. “Thanks to you, our theme ’30 Years…Shrimply the Best!’ truly came to life!”
With the backdrop of carnival rides, mouthwatering shrimp dishes, and lively vendor booths, the festival provided an unforgettable experience for all who attended. The weekend highlighted included the Shrimp Festival Parade, which was led by the esteemed Grand Marshal, Peggy Bing O’Banner, and a sensational evening concert featuring country singer, Samee Cannon.
Kicking Off the Festivities
The festivities officially kicked off with a delightful Unity Breakfast on the morning of Thursday, October 10. This heartwarming gathering at the Pilgrimford Dining Room was a perfect way to set the tone for the weekend. “There was no better way to commence the Shrimp Festival than coming together for spiritual connection and fellowship,” Garnes highlighted.
After sharing a delicious meal, attendees gathered for the Opening Ceremonies, officially welcoming everyone to a weekend filled with shrimp, fun, and the wonderful spirit of the community. The streets soon buzzed with excitement as the Kiddy Parade took center stage, with children dressed in colorful, festive costumes, spreading joy as they paraded near Town Hall. The sight of smiling faces was indeed a heartwarming display of community spirit!
Exciting Events and Activities
The festival offered something for everyone! One of the most talked-about events was the 2024 Shrimp Festival 5K Run/Walk, which kicked off on Saturday morning. This family-friendly race wound through the scenic streets of Yemassee and really got the community energized and involved.
Then came the much-anticipated Shrimp Festival Parade, led by the ever-charming Grand Marshal, Peggy Bing O’Banner. The parade was a vibrant showcase of local talent and spirit, making it a highlight of the day before the festival culminated with an exciting concert.
An Unforgettable Evening
That evening, Samee Cannon, a Nashville recording artist and proud Beaufort County native, took to the stage for a performance that will not soon be forgotten. “We want to extend our deepest thanks to Samee for delivering an unforgettable performance,” Garnes expressed with enthusiasm. “Your amazing talent and energy truly lit up the evening and made the event so special for all who attended.”
A Thank You to All Involved
The Town of Yemassee also extended a big thank you to the entire Yemassee Shrimp Festival Committee for their hard work and dedication in bringing this event to life. Special acknowledgments went out to donors Noah and Nigel Alexander for the spectacular fireworks show that lit up the night sky. Additional thanks were given to various sponsors and supporters, ensuring a smooth and joyous celebration for all.
For those who want to relive the memories, photos and videos of this year’s festival are available on the Town of Yemassee’s Facebook page. Here’s to many more years of the Shrimp Festival and the joyous spirit of Yemassee!
