Isle of Eight Flags SHRIMP FESTIVAL in Fernandina Beach

A LOCAL’S PERSPECTIVE OF THE SHRIMP FESTIVAL

Steaming Pot of Shrimp, Festival Parade

I guess you could call me a seasoned Shrimp Fest aficionado, having 14 under my belt. This is an annual tradition here on Amelia Island, always the first weekend in May each year. The 45^th annual Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival (May 2-4, 2008) will attract around 150,000 people to Amelia Island, Florida over the weekend.

In my experience as one of the Fernandina folk, there are three phases of visiting the Shrimp Festival each year: phase one -- the Thursday night parade; phase two -- the Friday night fireworks; phase 3 -- the weekend festivities (browsing art, the “Family Fun Zone,” the live entertainment and food).

SHRIMP FEST PARADE IS A RITUAL FOR FERNANDINA FOLK

One of the Pirate Ships, Shrimp Fest Parade, 2007

For locals, attending the Shrimp Fest parade on Thursday evening is an annual ritual here in Fernandina Beach (as always, it starts at 6 pm, this year May 1st.) I’ve watched, photographed, and applauded the parade, a real glimpse of small-town Americana. Taken as a whole, one might compare the parade to a Norman Rockwell painting come to life (although a more contemporary one, as there will be cell phones and more tattoos on the public these days). After all, some call Fernandina a “tropical Mayberry.” The parade is, indeed, a symbol of small-town community pride, with just about every organization in town participating with a float or group marching. Watch a Fernandina Shrimp Festival video...

This year in 2008, the May 1^st parade theme is “Dawn of the Modern Shrimping Industry,” fitting, considering this is the Shrimp Festival, and Fernandina is the birthplace of the modern shrimping industry. So expect to see some parade floats with human-sized paper-mâché shrimp, little costumed shrimps, steaming pots of shrimp with chefs stirring about, etc., and some boats, of course.

Fernandina locals crowd downtown for Shrimp Fest Parade

The town folk really do turnout for the parade and put man hours into making their parade floats. If you’ve never been, try to make it this year, especially if you could use a dose of “feel good.” If you have kids or grandchildren, they’ll love it, too.

PARADE OF PRIDE IN FERNANDINA

Fernandina Beach Shriners, Shrimp Fest Parade

For local residents, there’s a high likelihood that at least one family member is actually in the parade, or there lining the historic district streets, cheering, clapping, grinning. People come downtown and line both Ash Street and Centre Street, lawn chairs in tow, many arriving very early to scope out their spot along the parade route. The old timers are present, the middle-aged, young adults, teenagers and little ones – five generations of citizens gravitate to the heart of Fernandina’s historic district. At no other time of the year is the warmth of this town on display more, than at the annual Shrimp Festival parade. 

There’s the civil servants like police, fire department, coast guard, local government reps, church groups, athletic teams, schools, and local businesses, and more. The Miss Shrimp Festival contestants ride by, waving to the crowds, the high school marching bands, the steel bands, the obnoxiously-loud Shriners on their motorized dune buggies, and of course, the pirates aboard their ship, firing the canons (that feel like they’ll blow your ear drums if they fire in front of you). The gymnasts do their cartwheels and flips down the street, the karate kids show some of their moves, and many parade participants hand out candy to the kids along the parade route, much to their delight.

Shrimp Festival Parade Hillbillies

It’s a parade procession that lasts about an hour and a half. And when it’s all over, you feel like you did something good, being present at this community event. One feels especially gratified to live in a small town like Fernandina Beach at times like this. Many of today’s kids will remember going to this parade into their old age. Even if they move away, it will be a warm childhood memory that may fade somewhat with time, but will live on.

MORE ABOUT SHRIMP FEST WEEKEND ACTIVITIES

I’ve mingled with the Shrimp Fest crowds along Centre Street in historic Fernandina Beach (and the side streets from 8^th to Front Street), browsed hundreds of arts, crafts, and antique booths over the years (admired the work of many talents artists), heard some great bands such as John Cafferty and the Beaver Brown Band, Beatle Mania, and the Swingin’ Medallions. (See the Swingin’ Medallions, the “party band of the south” at the harbor front stage on Sunday, May 4, 2008 at 2:30 p.m.)

I’ve sat through many performances of the Bean School dancers, including the little ones (the adorable ballerinas and tap dancers), so proud of themselves in their debut to the public. Ms. Bean’s dance school has taught the children of this town for about 50 years. I’ve ooooohed and aaaahhed at the fireworks along the waterfront, and tapped my feet to familiar tunes at the riverfront stage.

RIVERFRONT STAGE ENTERTAINMENT, ROCK AND POP MASTERS

This year’s musical entertainment also includes “Rock and Pop Masters” playing at the riverfront stage on Saturday, May 3^rd at 4:30 pm, featuring the original artists for some mega-hits, such as “Still the One”, “Dance With Me,” and “ Love Takes Time,” by Larry Hoppen (of Orleans); Robbie Dupree (“Steel Away,” and “Hot Rod Hearts”); David Pack (formerly of Ambrosia), “Biggest Part of Me,” “How Much I Feel,” “You’re the Only Woman,” and “Holdin’ on to Yesterday”; and Joey Molland (formerly of Badfinger), “Come and Get It,” “Day After Day,” and “No Matter What.”

BROWSING THE FINE ARTS & CRAFTS BOOTHS, AND THE ANTIQUE VENDORS

I’ve bought something each year at the Shrimp Festival from the fine arts and crafts artisans, whether it be a water color painting, unique, custom jewelry, a ceramic pot hanger, or handcrafted vase. The local Island Art Association handles the fine arts and crafts, and screens potential participants. Realize that this is a great show, featuring over 300 juried artists and craftsmen. According to the Island Art Association, the Shrimp Festival’s fully juried arts and crafts exhibit “has been consistently recognized as one of the best art events in North America by Sunshine Artist Magazine.”

Many would say that the artwork is the most outstanding part of the festival.  But the atmosphere is festive and fun for kids, too, and enjoyable for those who aren’t art collectors -- as long as you don’t mind crowds. But the crowds are well behaved, since alcohol is not served in streets – the primary festival area. Be mindful of the open container law – no alcoholic beverages outdoors in the festival streets. You must go into a bar or restaurant that has a liquor license to get a cocktail, beer or wine, and you must stay in the establishment to drink it.

During the festival, I’ve eaten at many vendor booths -- the fried seafood plates, shrimp pie, Italian sausage, sugar-powdered funnel cakes, and more. Remember you’re eating for a good cause, since all food booths must be run by a local, Nassau County, Florida non-profit organization, so they are fundraising. There are no commercial food vendors.  You can find shrimp cooked many ways -- grilled shrimp, cajun shrimp, garlic shrimp, popcorn shrimp, shrimp salad, shrimp twisters, boiled shrimp, shrimp quesadillas, and more.

As far as the weather during Shrimp Fest, the norm is hot. The weather does dictate the crowds. If it’s fair weather, expect the masses to invade the town, along with the pirates. It’s been sweltering and humid at times, but then again, occasionally cold. Your best bet, though, is to plan on bringing some sun screen.

IT’S THE PIRATE’S LIFE FOR ME IN FERNANDINA

Dress like a Pirate, Shrimp Festival...

If you ever thought “it’s the pirates life for me,” now’s the time to dress like a pirate and wander the town. You’ll fit in. Enter the pirate look-alike contest (best “little” pirate, Saturday at 1:00 at the riverfront stage, best adult pirate contest Sat., May 3^rd, at 2:00). If you’re not game, then just enjoy the other pirates mulling about. Pirates are also a feature of the parade, and some hand out pirate trinkets -- bead necklaces in shades of shimmering gold, purple, and green. The pirate invasion by ship, sailing into the harbor firing canons, will be Friday evening, May 2, 2008 at around 9:30 pm, and then again on Sat., May 3^rd, at around 1:45 p.m.

So, head downtown Friday evening to the Fernandina Harbor for the pirate invasion and fireworks display (as always, pirates sail into the harbor around 9:30, followed by the 9:45 fireworks). Over the weekend, attend the art show -- browse over 300 fine arts and craft vendor booths, get a bite to eat (the bulk of the food vendors line Front Street near the harbor), listen to live entertainment at the marina stage, and hit the “Family Fun Zone.” (Be prepared to spend some money in there, with the bungee, rock climbing, spinning gyro gym, slide, bouncy rooms, and other concessions).

The kids do look forward to the Shrimp Festival and Family Fun Zone every year.  The local school district has actually given the public school kids a day off for Shrimp Festival Friday (May 2) this year. While generally there are no activities during the day time on the Friday, kids do get burnt out from the big night before (the Thursday night parade). The Family Fun Zone opens Friday night from 6 to 10 pm, and is open during the day time on Saturday and Sunday. Some things don’t change. The Shrimp Fest hours remain to be 9 am to 6 pm on Saturday, and 10 am to 5 pm on Sunday. (See link at end of article to the complete Shrimp Fest activities schedule.) Note that during the day on Friday, May 2, Fernandina’s downtown merchants in the historic district traditionally hold their annual sidewalk sale, so it’s a good time for browsing along Centre Street (10:00 am - 5:00 pm).

Not all locals, however, go to the Shrimp Fest. Some people don’t like the invasion of Amelia Island -- the crowds and the traffic. Frankly, some would rather go to the dentist than the Shrimp Fest. These folks see it as a good time to get away from Amelia for the weekend.

Others look forward to Shrimp Festival as the ultimate party weekend. In fact, other than the Florida-Georgia college football game weekend in the fall, there are probably more house parties going on around Amelia Island during Shrimp Fest, than any other time of the year. Parties, food, with drinks flowing – there’s a party atmosphere as reliable as the tides -- during Shrimp Festival weekend each year on Amelia Island.

You also may bump into local “celebrities,” such as the news anchors from the main TV stations in Jacksonville. They film the event, conduct interviews, and usually have a booth at the festival, as do the local press, the Fernandina Beach News-Leader, and Jacksonville Times Union newspapers.

A visit to Fernandina for the Shrimp Festival will give you some flavor of this town, especially if you make it to the parade on Thursday night, or the Friday evening events that really bring out the locals. If you’re more interested in the artwork and will only visit Fernandina for one day, realize the arts, crafts, and antiques show is only on Saturday and Sunday, this year May 3-4, 2008. (Sunday morning is usually less crowded for browsing the fine arts and crafts booths.)

Get a quick glimpse of the Shrimp Festival by viewing a Shrimp Festival highlights video (a compilation of video clips from Fernandina’s Shrimp Fest), and view other videos about Amelia Island. See the Shrimp Festival video at Amelia Island Living© eMagazine’s social network with photos and videos, at www.ameliaislandliving.NET .

PARKING FOR THE ISLE OF EIGHT FLAGS SHRIMP FESTIVAL

Out-of-towners can follow the posted signs, as you come onto the island, and be directed to Fernandina Beach High School parking lot on Citrona Avenue. From there you’ll take a shuttle bus to the downtown festival area. Or park at the Buccaneer Field (at Beech Street and 11th Street, near Atlantic Avenue and Central Park), and walk several blocks to 8^th street. The festival grounds begin at 8^th Street and Centre Street (Centre is the main corridor leading down to the Fernandina harbor). It’s an eight block area of Fernandina’s historic district running down to the Front Street harbor front area, and includes about two blocks north and south of Centre Street all the way to the waterfront. The larger parking lots noted below charge for parking – it’s one of the top local fundraisers of the year.

Park and shuttle bus from Fernandina Beach High School, on Amelia Island

$10.00 to park per vehicle, subject to change (fundraiser for the school)

After you park, there’s a FREE Shuttle Bus Service that takes you to the festival.

Fernandina Beach High School
435 Citrona Drive, Fernandina Beach

(The proceeds benefit FBHS football team)

Parking lot hours: Friday 6:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m. (FBHS location only)
Saturday 9:00 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Sunday 9:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.

Park and walk to the festival from Buccaneer Field, on Amelia Island

Lot opens Friday night, all day Saturday & Sunday

Buccaneer Field is located at Beech Street and 11th Street, near Atlantic Avenue and Central Park
(Proceeds benefit Amelia Island Youth Soccer and Pop Warner Football.)

For further Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival 2008 details, including the arts, crafts and antique vendors, complete event schedule, all of this year’s entertainers, etc., visit the official festival web site at www.ShrimpFestival.com . To check out the food vendors this year, see go here: http://www.shrimpfestival.com/flash/foodbooths.swf

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