Sandy Price to ‘retire’ as executive director of Isle of 8 Flags Shrimp Festival

Submitted by Susan Hardee Steger

After 13 years of service,  Shrimp Festival executive director Sandy Price told the Fernandina Observer that she will “retire” from her position.  Price preferred to use the word “retire” rather than “resign.” Price will leave her position on September 30.

“We definitely have big shoes to fill with the resignation of Sandy Price,” says Mark Deaton, chairman of the Isle of 8 Flags Shrimp Festival Committee. “For over a decade, Sandy coordinated the efforts of the individual committee chairs, while personally filling many open positions herself.”

Ed Rodriguez, former resident and President/CEO at Alabama Gulf Coast Chamber of Commerce whose organization produces the annual “National Shrimp Festival” says:

“Sandy Price’s departure from the Shrimp Festival is truly the end of an era. While the Shrimp Festival has always been a team effort, I don’t think any one individual in the festival’s history has done more to advance the quality of the event.

What started out as a small celebration fifty years ago has blossomed into one of the finest festivals of its kind in the country. I’ve worked with Sandy on everything from golf tournaments to membership drives and more. Everything she touches becomes world-class. Sandy is respected throughout the events and festivals community and is a valued friend and mentor to our own employees at the Annual National Shrimp Festival.”

The three day event draws an estimated crowd of 135,000.  In 2011,   Research Data Services, Inc estimated the local economic impact of the festival at  $8,566,900.  Revenue generated from non-profits during the three day event amounts to $400,000.

Deaton said Price will be working with the committee during their transition period.
“Sandy has been saying for a while that the 50th would be her last festival, and
now that she has made it official, the committee wishes her the very best
in her future endeavors.”

Until recently, Price volunteered her services as executive director.  Price serves on the board of directors of the Southeastern Festivals and Events Association

August 20, 2013 4:19 p.m.