Beaufort Shrimp Festival returns for its 32nd year

by Colt Yeargin

BEAUFORT COUNTY, S.C. (WCSC) — The Beaufort Shrimp Festival returns to downtown Beaufort next weekend to celebrate its 32nd anniversary, spotlighting the Lowcountry’s commercial shrimping heritage with fresh seafood, live music and family events.

The two-day festival runs Friday, Oct. 2, and Saturday, Oct. 3.

Festivities begin Friday with an Arts and Crafts Market featuring local artisans from noon to 6 p.m. Live musical entertainment starts at 5:15 p.m. with Anna Barnes, followed by Duran Duran tribute band The Reflex at 7:30 p.m.

Throughout the weekend, local chefs will serve regional shrimp dishes, competing in the annual Shrimp Showdown organized by the City of Beaufort and the Beaufort Area Hospitality Association. Judges will review entries Saturday morning, and organizers will announce the winning restaurant Saturday afternoon.

Saturday’s schedule opens at 8 a.m. with the Run Forrest Run 5K, the opening leg of the Beaufort Triple Crown. Participants will race across the Woods Memorial Bridge — featured in the 1994 film “Forrest Gump” — with a movie impersonator greeting runners at the start and finish lines.

The Arts and Crafts Market reopens Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., hosting more than 40 vendors selling woodworking, jewelry, clothing and fine art.

Family activities continue Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Kids Corner, featuring face painting, a comedy stunt show and HIS Radio. Live entertainment on Saturday includes Peach Patrol at 11:15 a.m., the Parris Island Marine Corps Popular Music Group at 12:30 p.m., and Willie Jackson & The Tybee Blues Band at 2:15 p.m.

At 2 p.m. Saturday, the Sea Island Rotary Club will hold its 17th annual Charity Shrimp Race, featuring a $30,000 grand prize.

Participating food vendors throughout the festival include: