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After Two Years of Cancellations, Shrimp Festival Planning Rolls On
Coastal Ala. - After having the past two editions of the festival called off, volunteer committee members are eager to continue their planning of the 49th Annual National Shrimp Festival, geared for October 6th through 9th.
Festival Chairman Spencer Cade has passed along the torch to his previously named successor Andrew Hart, who is ready to take on the challenge. “It’s been a disappointing two years, but the committee has held on and I’m working with them closely to fine tune both our existing programs & some new elements,” said Hart, “With demand up, we are anticipating this year to be one of our most attended festivals in history.”
The initial vendor selection process had taken place back in 2020. In fairness to the vendors’ patience, the committee has decided that no new applications are being considered at this time, unless a need should arise.
Steve and Dee Burrow, owners of Gulf Shores based Sea Oat Studios are longtime fine arts vendors of the festival. The couple shared similar sentiments when asked about the upcoming event, “Shrimp Fest is always one of our best shows of the year. We are excited and are expecting big crowds in 2022 due to the previous cancellations.”
Local artist & small business owner Tara McMeans was selected back in 2020 as the winner of the poster design contest. After having to update the poster twice to reflect the year change, McMeans’ design will finally be seeing the light of day. “I’ve entered the poster contest for over eight years now, it has been a dream of mine to win,” said McMeans, “Being selected was a total shock and one of the highlights of my career.”
With two years of planning behind them, the committee has worked to try and bring both new flair and faces to the festival. “From our perspective, our goal is to improve and perfect in 2022,” said Greg Alexander, President & CEO of the Coastal Alabama Business Chamber, “We’re currently working with a national company to bring in new sponsors to the festival. Doing so will not only allow those companies to get exposure in our area, but will also allow them to bring experiences to our attendees that will enhance the overall festival experience.”
Updates on the festival will continue as the spring season rolls on. Interested attendees are asked to visit myshrimpfest.com or the festival’s social media channels for the most up-to-date information.
49th Annual National Shrimp Festival poster designer Tara McMeans and 2022 Festival Chairman Andrew Hart.
Longtime Shrimp Festival fine arts vendors Steve & Dee Burrow at the 46th Annual National Shrimp Festival in 2017.
A shrimp boil meal offered by one of the food vendors at the 48th Annual National Shrimp Festival in 2019.
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The Annual National Shrimp Festival is Alabama's original beach party put on by the Coastal Alabama Business Chamber. At the heart of this festival is a hard working group of volunteers that have kept this tradition kicking since 1971.
