The 18th Annual Beaufort Shrimp Festival Brings Shrimp Flavor & Fun to Historic City's Waterfront Park, October 5-6

BEAUFORT, S.C., Oct. 3, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- This weekend marks the 18^th annual Beaufort Shrimp Festival for Beaufort, S.C. Consisting of local food, live music and contests, the free, two-day festival will be held at Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park in downtown Beaufort on Friday, October 5 and Saturday, October 6.

The festival kicks off at 6 p.m. on Friday with a rock performance by Stud Farm. On Saturday, a 5K Run and Walk Through History takes place at 8 a.m. The children's Popcorn Shrimp Run begins at 8:45 a.m.

Beginning at 11 a.m., Saturday features music by the Marshland Party Band, and children's activities, plus an arts and crafts market. The S.C. Shrimpers Association will be selling shrimp to take home and enjoy, and shrimp boat tours will be available.

Restaurants will be serving up Lowcountry recipes at festival booths as they compete for the title of "Best Shrimp Dish," "Best Booth Decoration" and the "People's Choice." Overall winner will receive the "Silver Cup" award.

Attendees can participate in the adult shrimp-heading and children's shrimp-peeling contests.

The Sea Island Rotary Club will host its annual Charity Shrimp Race where a boat drops 5,000 rubber floating shrimp into the Beaufort River. Shrimp will float toward a designated finish line and the first 10 to finish will share $5,000 in cash, plus have a chance to win $1M.

"The festival is a time to share our Lowcountry flavor and culture with visitors and locals alike," said Robb Wells, tourism division executive for the Beaufort Regional Chamber of Commerce. 

About the Beaufort Regional Chamber of Commerce
The Beaufort Regional Chamber of Commerce represents the city of Beaufort, the second oldest city in South Carolina. Founded by the British in 1711, the city has a rich history that dates back centuries with ties to the Revolutionary and Civil Wars. It is made up of Port Royal Island and its surrounding area within the Lowcountry. The city generates approximately two million visitors annually, and is regarded as one of the most diverse communities because of its history and architecture. It is home to one of the largest population of Gullahs, a culture known for preserving its African linguistic and cultural heritage more than any other African-American community. The Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Marine Corps Air Station and Naval Hospital call Beaufort home.

For more information, visit www.BeaufortSC.org.

SOURCE Beaufort Regional Chamber of Commerce