The 55th annual Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival was held May 4-6 in Fernandina Beach.
After the Pirate Parade on May 3 and opening ceremonies on May 4, the event kicked off with the Miss Shrimp Festival Scholarship Pageant, which was won by Emily Colson. Olivia Liliskis was the first runner-up, while Taylor Alvare was the second runner-up. Arriell Drayton was named Miss Congeniality. The rest of the evening featured the Pirate Parade Awards, fireworks and more.
The second day of the shrimp festival featured the 24th Annual Shrimp Festival 5K Run/Walk, and performances by the Fernandina Beach High School Jazz Ensemble and the Sean McCarthy Band, among others. The event was highlighted by an end-of-day concert including John Elefante, the former lead singer of Kansas, Randall Hall, formerly of Lynyrd Skynyrd, and Jimmy Hall of Wet Willie and formerly of the Jeff Beck Group.
The third day of the festival on May 6 included additional performances, as well as the Blessing of the Fleet, the Laying of the Wreath and the Decorated Shrimp Boat Parade and Contest.
Throughout the weekend, families also enjoyed the Kids Fun Zone and an abundance of seafood and other treats. Visit https://www.shrimpfestival.com/ for more information.
