April 28, 2022
Submitted by Suanne Z. Thamm
Reporter – News Analyst
April 28, 2022
Always the first weekend in May
It’s ba-ack! After a 2-year hiatus due to Covid, the Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival returns to Fernandina Beach this weekend, kicking off with the downtown Pirates Parade that begins at 6 p.m., rain or shine tonight, April 28.
The ISLE OF EIGHT FLAGS SHRIMP FESTIVAL in historic downtown Fernandina Beach features an array of activities for the entire family! Free-to-attend admission offers boatloads of fresh seafood and shrimp dishes, all prepared by local non-profit and civic organizations. The Festival’s Fine Arts and Crafts show offers more than 300 award-winning artists and craftspeople, including jewelry, photography, pottery and much more. Browse through 75 booths of Antiques and Collectibles. Let the kids have their own good time in the Kids Fun Zone. Live Music on two stages, contests, and Pirates to entertain you. Watch from the marina as the decorated Shrimp Boats glide the Amelia River. Enjoy the eclectic assortment of retail shops, pubs and restaurants that call Amelia Island home.
The Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival started out in 1964, to celebrate the opening of “shrimping season” with the friendly competition of “shrimp boat” races. It has grown to one of the Top 20 festivals in the Southeast.
