Amelia Island’s May 2014 Events Feature Seafood, Nature and Music

Amelia Island’s May 2014 Event Highlights: Shrimp Festival, Wild Amelia Festival and Chamber Music Festival

May kicks off with Fernandina’s annual Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival and finishes with Memorial Day weekend events and Kids’ FREE Fishing Clinic at Fort Clinch. The month also features many concerts of the Amelia Island Chamber Music Festival and nature lover’s 3-day Wild Amelia Festival.

51st Annual Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival : May 2-4, 2014

For more than half a century, this small crustacean has caused a big sensation in historic downtown Fernandina Beach on Amelia Island, where thousands of visitors happily strand themselves for this annual tradition. The popular event features a nationally-recognized juried fine arts and crafts show, antiques, live entertainment, kids’ activities, contests, pirates, free admission and more than 25 food booths serving up the tastiest shrimp you can find, prepared every way possible by local non-profit organizations. For more information go to www.shrimpfestival.com.

Amelia Island Chamber Music Festival: May 2-June 1, 2014

The Amelia Island Chamber Music Festival showcases world-renowned artists performing a variety of music styles in intimate and historic settings on Amelia Island. At the 2014 festival, guests can expect the unexpected with an incredible line-up, including Anne Akiko Meyers, the Linden String Quartet, members of the Guarneri String Quartet, Sarah Charness and her hot-pink violin, and more. Known for a repertoire that ranges from Monteverdi to Radiohead, Brooklyn Rider will also perform a newly commissioned work and the finale will feature Chamber Pops, with everything from Bach to The Beatles. For ticket details and additional information, call (904) 261-1779 or visit www.aicmf.com.

Mother’s Day at The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island: May 11, 2014

The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island is offering several exclusive dining opportunities for Mother’s Day. On May 11, Salt is featuring a Mother’s Day Brunch Buffet with delectable dishes, unlimited sparkling wine and a jazz trio. Mothers will each receive a Norman Love chocolate flower and specialty salt. Café 4750 will be offering a Mother’s Day Brunch featuring breakfast favorites and a glass of champagne. For times and pricing, please call 904-277-1087.

Fish-to-Table Event: May 17, 2014

The Omni Amelia Island Plantation is hosting six renowned chefs to participate in a culinary challenge event benefiting the James Beard Foundation. The chefs will compete in a three-prong challenge: catch the fish during a fishing excursion, cook the fish for guests who will vote on their favorite dishes at the evening event, and finally divide into two teams and receive a mystery ingredient to cook with during the event. The winning team will be determined by a ballot vote. The event will be held May 17 from 6 to 9 p.m. For additional information, contact Alayna Oram at 904-432-1470.

Wild Amelia Nature Festival: May 16-18, 2014

The 2014 Wild Amelia Nature Festival invites residents and visitors to experience the wild side of Amelia Island. Visitors can enjoy numerous nature tours led by area naturalists and Park Rangers, nature photography workshops taught by local professionals, a nature-based green business expo, the “Kids Niche” nature-based activities for children, critters from the Jacksonville Zoo and more. For tickets or additional information, call 904-251-0016 or visit www.wildamelia.com.

World War II Event at Fort Clinch State Park: May 24-25, 2014

Fort Clinch State Park will hold a Memorial Weekend program in honor of the men and women who served in World War II. Visitors can explore military displays, view memorabilia, and learn about the uniforms, weapons, vehicles, and lifestyle of those who were part of the war during the 1940s. The event will take place on Saturday, May 24, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, May 25, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. For details, visit www.floridastateparks.org/fortclinch or call 904-277-7274.

Annual Free Kids’ Fishing Clinic at Fort Clinch State Park: May 31, 2014

Fort Clinch State Park offers a free Kid’s Fishing Clinic on May 31 from 9 to 1 p.m. At the clinic, kids will learn knot tying, fishing ethics, tackle, habitat, casting and more. The clinic is open to children ages five to 15 and will be held on the Atlantic Fishing Pier at Fort Clinch State Park. During the event, 500 kids will take home their own rod and reel combo. A free hot dog lunch is provided to every participant. Bring your family to enjoy a fun day of saltwater fishing. For details, visit www.floridastateparks.org/fortclinch or call 904-277-7274.

A full list of events is available at www.ameliaisland.com/events.

Source: Press release, Amelia Island Tourist Development Council