It is my honor to announce of 34th Lowcountry Shrimp Festival and Blessing of the Fleet on Saturday, May 1st, 2010 at the McClellanville Boat Landing.   This is the fourth time I’ve had the pleasure to write about the event and like always there is something for everyone; Great Seafood (Duh!), Kabobs, Cold Beverages (for kids and adults), Arts and Crafts, Vendors, Dancing, and Kid’s Corner with Games and Rides.  You’ve also got to pick-up a t-shirt to commemorate the date and enter to win some great stuff offered in the silent auctions and door prizes.
As a child, the Shrimp Festival was always a reminder to me that Mother’s Day was coming soon and I’d better find something nice for mom because I wouldn’t get another chance to go to town.  When I was off in college it was a chance to go back home and cut loose McClellanville-style.  And now it’s a time when my in-laws come visit and brighten my wife’s day.  They just love the down-home feel of McClellanville, our perfect climate, and all that the Shrimp Festival has to offer.  Last year they got to ride out on one of the shrimp boats during the blessing (while I filmed from across the creek) and had a blast.
It’s sometimes hard to remember that all this fun is for two great causes.  First, the event is put on by and benefits Archibald Rutledge Academy.  And while some people may think of the blessing as just a small part of the whole days events,  it’s truly the most important part.  It’s sometimes hard for those of us that aren’t in the shrimping business to remember the struggles of McClellanville’s biggest industry.  But by taking a moment to bless the fleet as they start off a new season of hard work and long hours spent away from family to bring us home those tasty crustaceans and try to make a living, we are giving them our prayers and best wishes for a successful and prosperous year.  So Just Say No to Imported Shrimp!
Let me know if you want to make a weekend of it and need a place to stay in beautiful McClellanville.
Past Shrimp Festival Articles:
31st Lowcountry Shrimp Festival
32nd Lowcountry Shrimp Festival
33rd Lowcountry Shrimp Festival