Beaufort Shrimp Festival planned, but coronavirus means it won’t be like past years
The Beaufort Shrimp Festival will be held this fall, but don’t expect shrimp-eating contests or tours of shrimp boats on the waterfront.
The annual fall festival is being “reimagined” because of coronavirus, according to a news release from organizers Friday. The festival’s new motto is “The Shrimp Must Go On!”
Because large gatherings are prohibited and social distancing requirements prevent the typical one-weekend festival’s traditional activities, organizers of the annual fall event have changed the format to take place over three weekends, Sept. 18 through Oct. 4.
This year’s festival will not be focused on activities in Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park.
Instead, during this year’s Beaufort Shrimp Festival, participating restaurants will feature special shrimp tasting menus and entrees, and local shops will have seafood-themed promotions.
“We invite locals and Southeastern visitors to restaurants, shops, and outdoor venues across the Beaufort region over three successive weeks to enjoy the best of Lowcountry food and lifestyle,” the news release says.
In late July, the Town of Yemassee canceled its Shrimp Festival, which had been scheduled for mid-September.
Participating restaurants
Restaurants listed on the festival’s website as of Saturday, Aug. 15 include:
▪ Fat Patties, 831 Parris Island Gateway, Beaufort
▪ Fishcamp on 11th Street, 1699 11th St., Port Royal
▪ Madison’s, 925 10th St., Port Royal
▪ Morgan River Grill, 100 Marina Drive, St. Helena Island
▪ Mr. Seafood, 1281 Ribaut Road, Beaufort
▪ Old Bull Tavern, 205 West St., Beaufort
▪ Plums Restaurant, 904 Bay St., Beaufort
▪ Salt Marsh Brewing, 831 Parris Island Gateway, Beaufort
▪ Saltus River Grill, 802 Bay St., Suite C, Beaufort
This story was originally published August 15, 2020 at 11:30 AM.
