P
lanning a major event takes a lot of work. Cancelling the largest event in the Golden Isles takes even more. On September 7, 2017, just eight days before the largest of Jekyll Island’s robust event schedule, the Jekyll Island Authority notified businesses, residents, and visitors that the Jekyll Island Shrimp & Grits Festival was cancelled. As Hurricane Irma bore down 36
ELEGANT ISLAND LIVING
BACK AND BETTER THAN EVER
on the Florida Keys, she continued on a projected path that placed her on top of Jekyll Island just days before the Festival. “It wasn’t an easy decision,” said Nancy Kring Rowan, JIA Director of Events. “The Shrimp & Grits Festival is special to the entire community and has a huge economic impact on the Golden Isles.” Early reports from the Jekyll Island Authority showed a loss of approximately $1.5 million
for the Authority alone. That estimate didn’t include losses felt by local lodging, restaurants, and Festival vendors. By the time September 14 arrives, two years will have passed since the last Shrimp & Grits Festival and it seems like that is overdue. “People keep commenting that it’s been way too long,” said Kring Rowan. “The community has
