Beaufort Ready for Its 30th Annual Shrimp Festival
This weekend, the charming coastal city of Beaufort will come alive as it celebrates its 30th annual Shrimp Festival at the stunning Waterfront Park. A delightful two-day extravaganza filled with mouthwatering food, exciting races, and family-friendly fun awaits both locals and visitors alike. The festival kicks off Friday, showcasing the city’s long-standing connections to its vibrant shrimping industry.
A Taste of Tradition
Let’s start with the most important ingredient of this festival — the shrimp! This year, an incredible 2,000 pounds of white fall shrimp will be prepared and served by a variety of local vendors. From delectable shrimp fried rice to the classic Frogmore Stew, which features shrimp, corn, potatoes, and sausage, your taste buds are in for a treat. Notably, vendors are required to purchase their shrimp locally, ensuring the freshest flavors and supporting local fishermen.
Fun with a Purpose
One of the festival’s unique highlights is the 16th Annual Charity Shrimp Race, which will take place on Saturday at 3 p.m. Imagine the thrill of watching 5,000 floating rubber shrimp being released into the Beaufort River from a shrimp boat, as they drift down toward the finish line! For a chance to win a staggering $30,000 grand prize, locals can purchase sponsorships for individual shrimp. Proceeds from the event will go to vital community programs, including dental care for the underserved and scholarships for high school seniors.
Forrest Gump and Friends!
In true Beaufort fashion, the festival pays homage to its cinematic history rooted in the beloved film Forrest Gump, which starred Tom Hanks as the iconic character. The film not only captured hearts but was also filmed in locations around Beaufort, and the festival aims to celebrate this connection. To get in on the fun, the Run Forrest Run 5K Run/Walk is set for Saturday morning, inviting participants to run in costume and even meet a Forrest Gump look-alike! The race route takes runners through popular movie filming locations, making it a perfect way to combine fitness with a bit of nostalgia.
Entertainment for Everyone
The festival is more than just food and races; it promises a lineup of fantastic live music too! Kick off the festivities on Friday evening with performances by Alan Price and the ever-popular Deaz Guyz. Saturday’s musical offerings will feature several talented acts, including the Brewer Band and Jason Lee Cook, ensuring a lively atmosphere to enjoy throughout the weekend.
Arts, Crafts, and a Coastal Education Fair
Art and creativity are also celebrated during the Shrimp Festival. An arts and crafts market will be held both days, showcasing unique hand-crafted goods from around 40 talented artisans. Visitors can explore a variety of items including art, jewelry, and clothing. Plus, Saturday will feature a Coastal Education Fair, providing an enlightening experience for all ages with exhibits and activities dedicated to local ecology.
Getting There
To accommodate all the guests expected to flock to the festival, shuttle services have been arranged from two convenient locations. This makes attending the festival easier for everyone, allowing you to relax and enjoy the festivities without worrying about parking!
With the best local shrimp, exciting competitions, engaging entertainment, and a spirit of community, the 30th Shrimp Festival in Beaufort promises to be an unforgettable experience. Make sure to mark your calendars for an action-packed weekend that celebrates everything that makes this coastal gem truly special!
