After an eventful year dealing with the pandemic, the Fort Myers Beach Shrimp Festival is finally back! This popular festival is a celebration of shrimp that takes place in the picturesque town of Fort Myers Beach, Florida. The festival offers a variety of fun activities for visitors, including a parade, a beach party, live music, and, of course, delicious seafood. Though the challenges of the past year might have made the arrangements more difficult, the organizers are determined to make this year’s edition as exciting and successful as ever.
Fort Myers Beach Shrimp Festival Returns After a Challenging Year
After a challenging year of COVID-19 restrictions and cancellations, the Fort Myers Beach Shrimp Festival is set to return March 13-14, 2021. It is a time-honored tradition and one of the most popular events on the island, attracting thousands of visitors each year.
What is the Fort Myers Beach Shrimp Festival?
The Fort Myers Beach Shrimp Festival is a celebration of the island’s long history of shrimp fishing. For over 60 years, shrimp boats have been a fixture in the local waters, so it only seemed natural to start an annual festival to celebrate the beloved crustacean.
The two-day festival includes a range of activities that cater to all ages, including a parade, a 5k race, a variety of live music performances, vendors selling local seafood and festival favorites, and of course, shrimp dishes prepared in every way imaginable.
What to Expect in 2021
The festival is not only a celebration of shrimp but also of the island’s resilience in the face of adversity. The pandemic made hosting an event like this a challenging endeavor, but the organizers have worked hard to make it happen safely for visitors and locals alike.
This year’s festival will still include some of the events that visitors have come to love, such as the Parade of Shrimp Boats, the Little Shrimp Family Fun Run, and of course, the food. However, to ensure the safety of everyone involved, some changes will be implemented.
The festival’s venue will be stretched out, and social distancing measures will be in place, and masks will be required when social distancing is not possible. The festival organizers will also regularly sanitize everything to help prevent the spread of the virus.
Why Visit the Fort Myers Beach Shrimp Festival?
The Fort Myers Beach Shrimp Festival is an excellent opportunity for visitors to not only experience the island’s unique culture but also to engage with the local community. While enjoying the festivities, visitors can learn about the history of shrimp fishing on the island and support the local vendors who depend on the festival for their livelihood.
Beyond the shrimp, visitors can also explore the island’s beautiful beaches, boating, fishing, and other water activities.
How to Attend the Festival
The Fort Myers Beach Shrimp Festival is a free event, but some activities, such as the shrimp eating contest, may require an entry fee. Visitors will need to plan for parking as streets and parking lots fill up quickly, especially on the second day of the festival. A shuttle service is provided from remote parking lots for a small fee.
Visitors are encouraged to check the festival’s website for updates and details on the event, including the latest information on COVID-19 measures and any additions to the lineup.
Final Thoughts
The Fort Myers Beach Shrimp Festival is a beloved tradition on the island and a great way to enjoy fresh seafood and the local community. Even with the challenges posed by the pandemic, the festival organizers are committed to making it a safe and enjoyable experience for visitors of all ages. The festival brings a sense of normalcy and excitement to the community and serves as a fitting tribute to the island’s rich heritage. If you’re planning on visiting Fort Myers, be sure to check out the Shrimp Festival and all it has to offer.
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Fort Myers Beach Shrimp Festival Returns After a Challenging Year
What is the Fort Myers Beach Shrimp Festival?
What to Expect in 2021
Why Visit the Fort Myers Beach Shrimp Festival?
How to Attend the Festival
Final Thoughts
