FERNANDINA BEACH, Fla. – It’s a big weekend in Fernandina Beach.
The Shrimp Festival is back for its 59th year. It’s an event to bring together art, food and music along the historic downtown riverfront of Fernandina Beach.
This festival brings more than just locals together. It’s the place to be for 130,000 people.
“We are thrilled to be here. We love Fernandina. And when you combine that with a shrimp festival, it’s like geez, where else would you want to be?” Michael Buchanan said, who is visiting from Alpharetta, Georgia.
While it was Buchanan’s first time at the festival, Deborah Eves returned for the first time since 1999.
“I think sunsets are one of my favorite things here in Fernandina. But having the shrimp festival here and getting to go and see all of the merchants and all of the jewelry and art and the antiques and the vintage stuff. I’m kind of excited about that,” Eves said.
For Buchanan, it’s a “top of the line” experience.
Logan Pierson, the Shrimp Fest chair for the Island Art Association, said there’s a lot in store for the festival this year.
“I think they have about 15 or 20 bands. They have four or five a night. They’re going to be playing,” Pierson said. “We have 350 artists here. This year, it’s a record for us with the art. And if they haven’t been out to a shrimp fest, and seeing the kind of art and the music and really the magic that takes place here, they really need to come on out.”
In addition to the art, music, and food, festival-goers can receive free advice from George Vaill. He calls himself a “lifeologist” and has been giving free advice in Fernandina Beach for five years.
Here’s his advice for any first-timers:
“Walk the entire street, give the vendors an honest chance to present what they have for you because there are a lot of wonderful artists here and take advantage of the opportunity to be with other people,” Vaill said.
The Shrimp Festival is here until Sunday, May 5.