Fernandina Beach Shrimp Festival

There is a four-day event happening from the birthplace of the American shrimp industry that would make Bubba Gump proud.

It’s time for the 60th annual Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival in Fernandina Beach.

This packed weekend event May 1st through the 4th will draw 150,000 to taste more shrimp recipes then Bubba Gump can remember.

Beginning with the Shrimp Festival Pirate parade on Thursday and the Miss Shrimp Festival pageant on Friday with fireworks at 9:00 p.m.

Saturday Morning begins with the YMCA Shrimp 5K Run/Walk and then the contests start with the Best Beard competition, shrimp eating and ice cream eating contests.

Daily live entertainment includes almost 20 bands, with booths filled with fine arts and crafts,  vintage antiques and a downtown merchant sidewalk sale.

A daily kid’s Fun Zone themed “Pirates in Training” and the decorated Shrimp Boat Parade.

There’s plenty of RV parking and don’t forget to check out the Shrimping Museum and the oldest bar in Florida, the Palace Saloon downtown.

They do shut down all the streets downtown on Amelia Island for this event.

So get your shrimp on off Route 1.