Love Shrimp? Head To Gulf Shores!

Alabama Economy 38th annual National Shrimp Festival kicks off Thursday in Gulf Shores

by Pat Peterson

Published: Wed, October 07, 2009 - 4:45 pm CST Last Updated: Wed, October 07, 2009 - 10:06 pm CST

GULF SHORES, Alabama - For 38 years, Gulf Shores has hosted one of the South's largest festivals. The National Shrimp Festival opens Thursday. Hundreds of vendors from across the U-S are setting up their booths and tents, hoping visitors will be in the mood to eat, shop and spend money.

"It's been pretty tight," says Florida vendor Steve Whitfield. "We're treading water, but we're surviving, it'll get better, for every bottom, there's a top."

The economy has affected many vendors who make a living traveling the festival circuit. Many are offering deep discounts and specials.

"We've got plenty of room to maneuver on prices, so I don't mind helping people out in this bad economy," says Whitfield.

"I have a good price point," says South Carolina vendor Jo Stephens. "I have a lot of items under 20 dollars."

The National Shrimp Festival opens at 10am Thursday and runs through Sunday. Admission is free. Festival organizers say 300-thousand people could attend this year's event, pumping 30 million dollars into the local economy.

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BamaBob Says:

Fri, Oct 09, 2009 at 7:31 am

I wish Jene’ Young would quit messing with the weather!!! Every time I hear her, she makes it sound worse.

Any chance it will actually be a little better right along the water? Maybe a sea breeze pushing the clouds inland?

sheltiedad Says:

Thu, Oct 08, 2009 at 11:26 pm

The shrimp festival is always fun and a chance to show off how good our fresh local gulf-caught shrimp.

While most vendors do serve the real thing, there are always a few sleezy vendors who will serve cheap Chinese, Indonesian, or Vietnamese shrimp and charge the premium prices that local shrimp is worth.

Last year, I saw some boxes behind one of the vendors with imported from China on the label. Their prices were higher than a neighboring vendor selling shrimp from Bayou La Batre.

It’s a shame that people will try to substitute cheap imported shrimp for the real thing, just to skim a few extra bucks.

BamaBob Says:

Thu, Oct 08, 2009 at 9:32 am

Shrimp are like little cholesterol bombs, but I allow myself to indulge occasionally. Coconuts are loaded with saturated fat. The combo should be a real killer!

BamaBob Says:

Thu, Oct 08, 2009 at 9:30 am

Which vendor do most people like the most, or are we talking about the restaurants?

rolltide33 Says:

Thu, Oct 08, 2009 at 9:14 am

Those coconut shrimp are real easy to cook at home by the way…

bobcat Says:

Thu, Oct 08, 2009 at 9:03 am

Unfortunately I will miss this years festival but have truly enjoyed it many years in the past. The coconut shrimp and the pecan and butter crusted shrimp are by far the best IMO. I hope the rainy weather holds off and allows this to be as beautiful as it was last year. We are in desperate need of the revenue people so bring lots of money and plan on a great time.

BamaBob Says:

Thu, Oct 08, 2009 at 8:33 am

Well, I already have plans to go come rain or shine. How is soggy alligator on a stick: