Local news & views around the Florida-Georgia border.
Annual Fernandina Festival Celebrates Shrimping Industry
Celebrate America’s favorite seafood and the shrimpers in Fernandina Beach, Florida and browse the work of talented artists during the Annual Isle of 8 Flags Shrimp Festival, always held the first weekend in May each year on Amelia Island, Florida.
Sunset Shrimp Boat Docked Near Fernandina Harbor Marina
Celebrate America’s favorite seafood and the shrimpers in Fernandina Beach, Florida while browsing the work of talented artists during the annual Isle of 8 Flags Shrimp Festival, held the first weekend in May every year on Amelia Island, Florida. Fernandina holds claim to being the birthplace of the modern shrimping industry in America.
The Shrimp Festival features a highly acclaimed, fully juried fine arts and crafts show, antiques and collectibles, one of the largest shows of its kind in the southeast with over 300 booths.
The Shrimp Festival Parade, kicking off the annual event, is held prior to the Festival weekend along Ash Street and Centre Street in the downtown Fernandina historic district. The shrimping industry is celebrated and receives the well wishes of a small-town community and its guests. Thousands watch and applaud along the parade route, an event well worth attending each year.
The opening ceremony of the Shrimp Festival is held Friday evening of the first weekend in May, followed by the Miss Shrimp Festival Scholarship Pageant. The food courts open Friday evening along with the KIDS FUN ZONE. The grand finale of the festival’s opening night is the Pirate Invasion by ship at the riverfront, followed by a wonderful fireworks display. The fine arts and crafts show, plus antiques and collectibles show is open the first weekend in May on Saturday 9 am to 6 pm and Sunday 10 am to 5 pm. Read lots more more about the Fernandina Beach Shrimp Festival and watch video with highlights of a previous festival.
