Submitted by Suanne Z. Thamm
Reporter – News Analyst
June 28, 2016 8:54 a.m.
Just a few weeks ago Fernandina Beach hosted the 53rd annual Shrimp Festival. This celebration of Fernandina’s unique history with respect to the shrimping industry is held the first weekend of May. It has become one of the most prominent festivals of its sort in the Southeastern United States. Over the years it has grown in size and scope to include many vendors of food and merchandise in addition to a local parade and pirate landings. People have sometimes wondered whether the economic impact of the event justifies investment of public funds to assist the Shrimp Festival Committee in providing such an event. Others have asked whether local citizens, who may experience some inconvenience when the masses of festival visitors descend upon Fernandina Beach, really derive any benefit at all.
A recently released Research Data Services, Inc. (www.ResearchDataLLC.com) study commissioned by the Amelia Island Convention and Visitors Bureau should put such fears to bed. Their report dated June 22, 2016 concluded that the total economic impact of out-of-county visitors to the 2016 Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival is estimated to be $14,765,400. Additionally, Nassau County residents who live outside of Fernandina Beach spent an estimated $275,700 at the event and Amelia Island merchants while on the island for the Shrimp Festival.
Whether staying with friends or in commercial lodging establishments, the average visiting party consisted of three people who stayed three nights. About 60 percent of visitors were repeat visitors. Almost everybody–98.8 percent to be exact-– expressed satisfaction with their festival experience, and 87.5 percent indicated that they planned to return for next year’s festival.
Adult event attendees average 53.9 years of age. Some 44.4 percent command household incomes of $100,000 or more.
A couple of other points, not included in this report, deserve mention. Many of the city and county not-for-profit organizations derive most of their annual funding from food sales during the Shrimp Festival.
Also, while by any measure Shrimp Festival is a “Special Event,” it is not a city of Fernandina Beach special event under the auspices of the Parks and Recreation Department. The festival is organized and run by the Shrimp Festival Committee, an independent organization that works closely with the city to ensure the safety and order of the event that attracts so many visitors.
Editor’s Note: Suanne Z. Thamm is a native of Chautauqua County, NY, who moved to Fernandina Beach from Alexandria,VA, in 1994. As a long time city resident and city watcher, she provides interesting insight into the many issues that impact our city. We are grateful for Suanne’s many contributions to the Fernandina Observer.
A sound financial “bargain” for the City (and the County) and, as noted, a vital source of funding for the non-profits. Thanks for the report Suanne.