National Shrimp Festival

Shrimp Festival, National

Second weekend in OctoberA waterside festival held for four days in Gulf Shores, Ala., drawing crowds estimated at 200,000. This festival began in this shrimping and resort area in 1971 as a one-day event to liven things up after Labor Day. The big event was a shrimp-cooking contest, and shrimp dishes have been in the forefront since. About 30 percent of the food vendors' fare includes shrimp, with lots of jambalaya and kabobs. Also on the menu are such dishes as shark and Greek foods including seafood gyros (pronounced YEER-ohs). Events of the festival include a children's art village, an air show, live musical entertainment, and arts and crafts displays.
CONTACTS:
Alabama Gulf Coast Area Chamber of Commerce
3150 Gulf Shores Pkwy.
P.O. Box 3869
Gulf Shores, AL 36547
251-968-6904; fax: 251-968-5332
www.alagulfcoastchamber.com
(c)