Beaufort Gears Up for the 30th Shrimp Festival: A Celebration by the Sea!
This weekend, the charming city of Beaufort will come alive with excitement as it hosts the 30th Shrimp Festival at the scenic Waterfront Park. This festive gathering not only celebrates the city’s rich maritime heritage but also highlights the bustling shrimping industry that thrives in the area. The festival runs on Friday and Saturday, and it promises to be a delightful experience for residents and visitors alike.
A Splash of Fun and Competition
One of the most thrilling attractions at the Shrimp Festival is the rubber shrimp race, scheduled for Saturday at 3 p.m. Picture this: 5,000 floating rubber shrimp are launched into the Beaufort River from a shrimp boat. The numbers on each shrimp match the sponsorships purchased by festival-goers. If your shrimp crosses the finish line first, you could swim away with a whopping $30,000 prize! This is just one way the festival is giving back, as all proceeds from the race go towards charitable services, including scholarships and dental care programs for those in need.
Run Forrest, Run!
If you’re feeling active, be sure to participate in the Run Forrest Run 5K on Saturday morning at 8 a.m. The race starts at Bay Street in front of the Best Western Inn and guides runners through iconic filming locations from the beloved movie Forrest Gump, which starred Tom Hanks and was filmed in Beaufort. Dress up in funky costumes to embrace the spirit of the movie and don’t be surprised if you spot a well-known Gump impersonator roaming around. He’ll be there to take photos and sign autographs!
A Feast for Your Taste Buds
Prepare your taste buds because this festival is a seafood lover’s paradise! Over the course of the event, vendors from around the area will serve up **an estimated 2,000 pounds of fresh white fall shrimp**. From Frogmore Stew to scrumptious shrimp fried rice, the selection is set to impress. Local vendors prove their commitment to the community by sourcing shrimp locally, so you can enjoy great food while supporting local businesses.
This year, a new twist has been added with a Shrimp Showdown, where top chefs will compete to win accolades like “Best Shrimp Dish” and “People’s Choice.” Talk about a delicious way to enjoy the weekend!
Entertainment Galore!
The festival isn’t just about food, though; there’s a fantastic lineup of live music to keep you entertained throughout the event. On Friday night, get ready to enjoy performances from local artists such as Alan Price and the energetic band Deaz Guyz. Saturday’s festivities will feature bands like the Brewer Band, Jason Lee Cook, and Gritty FlyRight. You can dance, sing, and have an all-around great time while soaking in the vibrant atmosphere!
Art, Crafts, and More!
Don’t forget to explore the arts and crafts market, available on both days. Over 40 artisans will showcase their handcrafted goods, ranging from stunning jewelry to unique home decor. There’s bound to be something to suit every taste, and it’s the perfect opportunity to pick up a special keepsake from this lovely festival.
Transportation Made Easy
The city of Beaufort has also arranged convenient shuttle services for festival-goers. Shuttles will be available at the Sheriff’s Office on Bladen Street and the Beaufort County administration building on Ribaut Road. This way, you can park and enjoy the festivities without worrying about your vehicle.
Join the Celebration!
With expected attendance of around 18,000, the Shrimp Festival is sure to be a fun-filled weekend for all! So gather your family and friends, and get ready to indulge in all things shrimp while enjoying the beautiful backdrop of the Beaufort River. The festival kicks off soon, so be sure to mark your calendars and join this wonderful celebration of community and cuisine!
