Shrimp festival 2016 by Leigh Mitchell

A GULF COAST MEDIA PUBLICATION

Voted “People’s Choice” “mustA-visit” 2 Shrimp Festival ■ October 2016

Since 2004

•Best Lunch • Best Dinner • Best Seafood also been voted • Friendliest Staff

while in Gulf Shor es

C Casual l family f il atmosphere t h Reasonable prices • Senior menu available

inning w d r a w A ish F d n a p Shrim lties Specia

Seafood Kitchen

138 West 1st Ave • Gulf Shores • 251-948-7294

October 2016 ■ Shrimp Festival 3

GET BACK FASTER See the doctors closest to the beach.

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251-968-CARE (2273) Sawgrass Landing (Between Waterville and the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo)

1140 Gulf Shores Pkwy. (Hwy. 59), Suite A Gulf Shores, AL 36542

More, devoted to your care.

4 Shrimp Festival ■ October 2016

What’s Inside

A specialty publication of Gulf Coast Newspapers

Official Poster

EDITORIAL

Destiny Brown, Editor

Cover art by Michael O’Connell See story on page 11.

The Annual National Shrimp Festival 5 Shrimp Fest Presents: Singing for Scholarships 7 Map 8-9 Event Descriptions 10 History of the Shrimp Festival 11 Festival Parking 11 Festival Events 12 45th Annual National Shrimp Festival Poster Winner 13 2016 Entertainment Lineup 14

LAYOUT AND DESIGN

Stacey Neal Leigh Mitchell SALES REPRESENTATIVES

Jeniece Bouzan Louann Love Frank Kustura

GULF COAST NEWSPAPERS 251.943.2151 901 N. McKenzie St. • Foley, Alabama 36535 GulfCoastNewsToday.com

413 E. Laurel Ave. Foley, AL 36353

251-943-5001 700 Whispering Pines Rd. Daphne, AL 36526

251-626-5000 Welcome to the

45th National Shrimp Festival, October 13th-16th

Serving South Baldwin County Since 1916

www.rivierautilities.com

the annual

he Annual National Shrimp Festival presented by Zatarain’s is held each year during the second full weekend in October on the beautiful beaches of Gulf Shores. The festival is one of the nation’s premier outdoor festivals attracting 250,000 people, featuring over 300 vendors that offer fine art, arts and crafts, a retail marketplace, outdoor village, and of course, SHRIMP! Food is a highlight of the festival with 50 local and regional vendors lining the boardwalk at the public beach with mouth watering delights. Due to the generous sponsors, Zatarain’s, Organized Seafood

Association of Alabama, Alabama Seafood Marketing Commission and Wind Creek Casino, 200 pounds of shrimp per day will be prepared by some of the area’s best chefs of their award-winning recipes and given away for people to sample at different tasting times that will be posted on the outside of the sponsor tent. Two stages offer continuous musical entertainment while the little one’s attention is captured in the Children’s Activity Village where they create their own “art” and participate in other fun-filled activities. Other activities include Singing for Scholarships, the family friendly sand sculpture contest, SEE SHRIMP, PAGE

NATIONAL

SHRIMP FESTIVAL Thursday, Oct. 13 thru Sunday, Oct. 16 Gulf Shores PubLic Beach, Gulf Shores. Where Hwy. 59 intersects Hwy. 182.

PHOTO BY CAPT. MARK ROBINSON

October 2016 ■ Shrimp Festival 5

6 Shrimp Festival â&#x2013; October 2016

PHOTOS BY CAPT. MARK ROBINSON

SHRIMP CONTINUED FROM 5 and the Shrimp Fest run. There will be musical acts to please all palates, including Blues, Motown, Southern Rock, Jazz, Zydeco and Country. The music begins at 10 a.m. each day and runs through 10 p.m. Thursday through Saturday

and 5 p.m. on Sunday. The Shrimp Festival has made a huge economic impact in the Gulf Shores, Orange Beach and Foley communities. For more information and merchandise, visit myshrimpfest.com.

October 2016 ■ Shrimp Festival 7

SHRIMP FEST PRESENTS:

Singing for Scholarships We had such a successful 3rd annual singing competition event in 2015. We can’t wait to see what the local students of Baldwin County have in store for us in 2016. The Shrimp Fest Singing for Scholarships is an “American Idol” style singing competition that is held on the Saturday of the National Shrimp Festival.

The contestants, representing each of our Baldwin County High Schools will compete for scholarships for themselves as well as matching funds for their schools. Be sure to join us in 2016’s Singing for Scholarships contest on the West Stage at 10 a.m. on Saturday, October 15.

Help us support our local students and schools! The competition highlights vocal talent from kids in high school from grades 9 through 12 in Baldwin County public and private schools as well as homeschool. For more information plese email Allison Hendricks at allisonhendricks@hotmail.com.

SATURDAY, OCT. 15; 10 A.M. - NOON THE WEST STAGE

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Schedule Thursday, Oct. 8 and Friday, Oct. 9 10 a.m. - 10 p.m. Festival Open 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Children’s Activity Village Saturday, Oct. 10 6:30 a.m. - 7:30 a.m. 8 a.m. 8:30am

10k/5k Registration 10K Race begins 5K Race begins

10 a.m. - 10 p.m. 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. 10 a.m. - noon 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Festival Open Children’s Activity Village Singing for Scholarships Sand Sculpture Contest

Sunday, Oct. 11 10 a.m. - 10 p.m. 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Festival Open Children’s Activity Village

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Accommodations For a list of hotels, condos and other places to stay visit http://myshrimpfest.com/accommodations. For information on local restaurants, food and beverages visit http://beach.alagulfcoastchamber.com/list/QL/ restaurants-food-beverages-22.htm. For shopping and specialty retail visit http://beach.alagulfcoastchamber.com/list/QL/shopping-specialty-retail-23.htm. For sports and recreation visit http://beach.alagulfcoastchamber.com/list/QL/sports-recreation-24.htm. ■ ■

■ ■

For more information contact: Visit myshrimpfest.com or if you have an urgent question please call 251-968-6091. ■

10 Shrimp Festival ■ October 2016

Event Descriptions CHILDREN’S ACTIVITY VILLAGE The Shrimp Festival is a family affair, and that means there’s plenty of excitement and entertainment for the little ones. Youngsters find all kinds of hands-on hoopla in this special area designed just for kids. Supervised activities include arts, crafts, games, entertainment, music and more. With all this frolicking fun, your little ones are sure to find something to keep them engaged. Of course, it’s just fine if you decide to join in, as well! FOOD BOARDWALK Shrimp is the star of this show, so it’s no surprise to find dozens of vendors serving our favorite crustacean in all kinds of yummy dishes. Sure, there are boiled and fried shrimp, but be sure to try some of the other inventive shrimp dishes for sale. Every year our chefs challenge each other to create the festival’s best dish, so be sure to try something new. Of course, there’s plenty of other seafood on the menu, from festival favorite crawfish pistols to crab claws and everything in between. Not a seafood fan? No problem, we’ve got you covered with tons of options. Just be sure to save room for dessert. LIVE MUSIC There will be live music offered on two different stages. Music will be from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Thursday – Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. “We worked a lot on the entrainment line-up this year,” said Matt Mogan, chairman of the National Shrimp Festival. ”We have a few big country acts and up and coming artist.” Both local artists and star status acts will be performing at the festival. OUTDOOR VILLAGE Street on the east side of festival

By popular demand the Outdoor Village vendor area is back again for 2016. ARTS AND CRAFTS Artists and craftsman travel from all over the country to participate in the National Shrimp Festival. That means lots of choices for your viewing – and shopping – pleasure. From whimsical to wonderful and functional just plain fun, you’ll find a wide variety of crafts to catch your eye. Conveniently laid out for your strolling pleasure, the Arts and Crafts booth provide the perfect place for you to mingle and marvel while you shop. FINE ARTS The National Shrimp festival attracts high-quality fine artists from throughout the country. You’ll feel like you’re strolling through a fancy museum – just steps from the beach. Whether you’re looking to add to your collection or just browsing the booths, you’ll find artists working in a wide variety of mediums, from painting to sculpture. The intimate setting allows visitors to meet many of the artists whose work is on display and chat with them about their inspirations. Who knows, you might find just the piece you’ve been looking for. SAND SCULPTURE CONTEST Saturday, Oct. 15; 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. West End at public beach access Be sure to stop at the information booth (main entrance) for location assistance. For more information or help findin g the location be sure and visit the Information Booth at the festival main entrance. Maximum 4 members per team. All participants will receive a sand bucket and a plastic shovel to complete their sand sculptures.

10K/5K RUN Saturday, Oct. 15 Orange Beach Sportsplex The history of the Annual National Shrimp Festival Run dates back to 1977. Having its start as a 5 mile race that started and ended at Bayou Village in Gulf Shores, AL. Over the years the race has made many transitions, even taking a temporary leave of absence in 2010. The race is an officially sanctioned event of the Annual National Shrimp Festival, produced by the Coastal Alabama Business Chamber. Working with a strong group of dedicated volunteer s, the 2016 Annual National Shrimp Festival 10K Run is planning the best event to date! All net proceeds of the Run will be donated to Coastal Baldwin Education Enrichment Foundation, benefiting the local Gulf Shores & Orange Beach public schools. SHRIMP FEST PRESENTS: SINGING FOR SCHOLARSHIPS Saturday, Oct. 15; 10 a.m. - noon West Stage We had such a successful 3rd annual singing competition event in 2015. We can’t wait to see what the local students of Baldwin County have in store for us in 2016. The Shrimp Fest Singing for Scholarships is an “American Idol” style singing competition that is held on the Saturday of the National Shrimp Festival. The contestants, representing each of our Baldwin County High Schools will compete for scholarships for themselves as well as matching funds for their schools. Be sure to join us in 2016’s Singing for Scholarships contest on the West Stage at 10 a.m. on Saturday, October 15. Help us support our local students and schools! The competition highlights vocal talent from kids in high school from grades 9 through 12 in Baldwin County public and private schools as well as homeschool.

October 2016 ■ Shrimp Festival 11

Festival Parking P

arking is first come, first serve basis at and around the festival site. The festival site is surrounded ounded by privately oowned businesses and residential houses/condos. These owners control the parking and parking fees on their property, not the Coastal Alabama Business Chamber, Annual National Shrimp Festival, or the City of Gulf Shores. We strongly recommend that festival attendees take advantage of the shuttle services.

BRATS PARK-N-RIDE THE WHARF The Wharf,Canal Road, Orange Beach NORTH SHUTTLE STOPS 1. Pelican Place; 3800 Gulf Shores Parkway, West lot near Bed, Bath & Beyond. 2. Erie Meyer Civic Center, North Lot, West 2nd St./ West 19th Ave.

COST: $5 per person for an All-day Pass $15 for Weekend Transit Passes (4 days for the price of 3) SHUTTLE HOURS: Thursday – Sunday, 10 a.m. - 10 p.m.

WEST SHUTTLE STOPS 1. Sea Oats; 1872 West Beach Blvd. Hwy 182, Gulf Shores 2. Pier 33; Hwy 182, Gulf Shores (West Beach) 3. Waves Grocery and Package Store, W. Beach Blvd./ West 11th Street

EAST SHUTTLE STOPS 1. Gulf State Park Campground – 20115 State Hwy. 135 in Gulf Shores 2. Orange Beach Walmart Marketplace 3. Flora-Bama Lounge, Florida/ Alabama State Line 4. Orange Beach Winn-Dixie

HISTORY OF THE SHRIMP FESTIVAL The Annual National Shrimp Festival was started in 1971. The event began as a way to keep the tourist at the beach after Labor Day, which was traditionally the end to the season and their departure time. The area businesses and local residents provided the money and the volunteers to produce an event which actually turned out to be not much more than a shrimp boil on the beach, which lasted all of about 5 hours. There were 6 booths leased by local restaurants, a sand castle contest and a turkey shoot at the local American Legion Post. The big attraction was an exhibit set up by the Marine Resources Division which consisted of Gulf

Sea Life swimming in a large aquarium. There was also the 1st Annual Seafood Cooking Contest which has evolved into “Best of the FEST” Seafood Contest for the food vendors. The big publicity event was, one of the winning couples from “The Dating Game,” was celebrated as the “STARS” of the Festival. Their prize package was a weekend in Gulf Shores, which was pre-Fredrick and virtually an unknown and acknowledged as honored guests of the Tourists Association and Holiday Inn. The estimated crowd was 1500. Celebrating its 44th year, the Annual National Shrimp Festival,

which draws over 250,000 people, is one of the Southeast Tourism Society’s top rated events contributing over $46 million total economic impact. There are over 300 exhibitors offering everything from fine art, arts & crafts and aretail marketplace to the Children’s Activity Center where kids can let all their creative talents loose. We also can’t forget shrimp cooked every way possibleand 4 days of continuous music featuring major national recording acts as well as all the local favorites. Other activities include our sand sculpture contest, the 10k run/walk, and our Shrimp Festival Idol contest.

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Festival Events

SATURDAY, OCT. 15TH TIME

10K Race 8:00 a.m.

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5K Race 8:30 a.m.

LOCATION

Orange Beach Sportsplex 4385 William Silvers Parkway, Orange Beach

The history of the Annual National Shrimp Festival Run dates back to 1977. Having its start as a 5 mile race that started and ended at Bayou Village in Gulf Shores, AL. Over the years the race has made many transitions, even

taking a temporary leave of absence in 2010. The race is an officially sanctioned event of the Annual National Shrimp Festival, produced by the Coastal Alabama Business Chamber. Working with a

strong group of dedicated volunteers, the 2016 Annual National Shrimp Festival 10K Run is planning the best event to date! All net proceeds of the Run will be donated to Coastal Baldwin Education Enrichment

Foundation, benefiting the local Gulf Shores & Orange Beach public schools.

TIME Registration: 11 a.m. Contest Hours: 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.

LOCATION On the beach – west end of the beach at the public beach access. Stop at the information booth (main entrance) for location assistance Maximum 4 members per team All participants will receive a sand bucket and shovel

AGE CATEGORIES 5-10 years

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11-15 years ■ 16 years & up – Adult Family (all ages)*

*If you wish to help your child/children please enter the “Family” category.

PRIZES FOR EACH CATEGORY Winner: Cash Prize, (1) Sand Sculpture Trophy per team, (1) ribbon and (1) poster per team member (limit 4) 2nd Place: (1) Ribbon & (1) poster per team member (limit 4)

PRIZES

3rd Place: (1) Ribbon & (1) poster per team member (limit 4)

$100 cash prize for both the Family and Adult categories. $50 cash prize for both the 5-10 yrs old and 11-15 yrs old categories.

Honorable Mention: (1) Ribbon & (1) poster per team member (limit 4)

October 2016 ■ Shrimp Festival 13

45TH ANNUAL NATIONAL SHRIMP FESTIVAL OFFICIAL POSTER WINNER This year’s winning poster was created and designed by Michael O’Connell of Clearwater, Florida. A graphic design artist, he is a backto-back winner of the contest after submitting the winning entry for the 2015 festival. O’Connell designs have also been selected for the Clearwater Centennial Logo and the Jacksonville Jazz Festival, among others. The winning poster was voted on by the Shrimp Festival Committee last month. The committee is made up of over 100 volunteers who help coordinate and organize the festival. Selecting the poster in advance to helps advertise, promote and brand the upcoming festival. More than 30 different artists submitted entries with posters from Michigan, Arkansas, California, Mississippi, Louisiana, Florida and Alabama. “After having my poster selected last year, I had a chance to meet a lot of the volunteers and really get a sense of all the hard work and community pride that goes into putting this event on,” O’Connell said. “So with this being the 45th year,

Festival Hours Oct. 13-16, 2016

THURSDAY - SATURDAY 10 a.m. - 10 p.m. SUNDAY 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. ADMISSION

Thanks to the event’s generous sponsors, the Shrimp Festival is FREE to everyone!

I really wanted to do something that would appeal to everyone and design a poster that had a completely different look from all the others that had been done in the past.” “We want to thank all of the artists who submitted this year,” Matt Mogan, cha irman of the Annual National Shrimp Festival, said. “There were many great options to choose from; however, we must pick one. And once again the committee has picked a fine poster. The artist captured a wonderful look that will represent our 45th year very well.” The winning poster will be on sale online and at the chamber’s offices in Gulf Shores. O’Connell will also be on hand during the festival to sign and number a limited supply of prints which will be available for purchase.

LOCATION

The Festival is held at the public beach access in Gulf Shores where Hwy. 59 meets Hwy. 182 (Beach Rd.) For information on parking and shuttle services see page 11. Festival map on pages 8-9.

RULES & REGULATIONS

Please respect the following guidelines and local ordinances to ensure a safe and enjoyable festival for all attendees.

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No weapons of any kind No unauthorized vendors or exhibitors No unauthorized amplification or sound-producing devices No unauthorized signs or written material No pamphleteering No animals allowed in the festival No personal coolers or glass containers Do not block or impede walkways, including usage of skateboards, roller-blades, bicycles or other devices.

2016 ENTERTAINMENT LINEUP

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Thursday, October 13

SUGARCANE JANE

10–11:15 a.m. 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. 2- 3:30 p.m. 4:30 – 6 p.m. 6:30-8 p.m. 8:30-10 p.m.

EAST STAGE Ole River String Band Smokin’ Elvis op Hat and Jackie Strickly Isbell w/ Mason Henderson Ryan Balthrop and Friends Dr. Zarr’s Amazing Funk Monster

10-11:30 a.m. 11:45 a.m.-1:15 p.m. 1:30-2:45 p.m. 3:00-4:15 p.m. 4:30-5:45 p.m. 6-7:30 p.m. 8-10 p.m.

WEST STAGE Lisa Christian Vic Saul The Groovinators Sugarcane Jane Eric Erdman David Jones The Tin Tops

Friday, October 14 EAST STAGE 10-11:15 a.m. This Side of 49 11:30 a.m.-12:45 p.m. Tim Kinsey 1-2:15 p.m. David Chastang 2:45-4 p.m. Perry Wall 4:30-6 p.m. Jason Justice and Hung Jury 6:30–8 p.m. Your Girlfriend 8:30–10 p.m. The Velcro Pygmies

10–11:30 a.m. 11:45-1 p.m. 1:30-3 p.m. 3:30-5:30 p.m. 6-7:30 p.m. 8-10 p.m.

VELCRO PYGMIES

WEST STAGE Light Travelers The Hypsy Sisters Justin Patterson and Laura Lynn Danley Cary Hudson Jonesy’s Crowned Jewelz Band Dr. Zarr’s Amazing Funk Monster

Saturday, October 15 EAST STAGE 10-11:15 a.m. Brandon White 11:30 a.m.-12:45 p.m. Shelby Brown 1-2:15 p.m. Brandon Wheeler 2:30-3:45 p.m. Holli Mosley 4:15-5:30 p.m. Lee Yankie and the Hellz Yeah 6-7:30 p.m. Kristy Lee and Dirt Road Revival 8-10 p.m. Jamell Richardson

WEST STAGE Singing for Scholarships. Emcee: Elaine Petty 12-1:30 p.m. Music on East Stage Only 1:30-2:45 p.m. Summerlyn and Ashlyn 3-4:30 p.m. Young Petty Thieves 4:45-6:15 p.m. Southern Union 6:30-8 p.m. The Steel Woods 8:30-10 p.m. Tracy Lawrence 10-noon

YOUNG PETTY THIEVES

Sunday, October 16 PAW PAW’S MEDICINE CABINET

EAST STAGE 10-11:15 a.m. Lisa Dotolo 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. Megan McMillan 1:15-2:45 p.m. Paw Paw’s Medicine Cabinet 3-5 p.m. Yeah, Probably

WEST STAGE Liberty Church Worship Service 11:45 a.m.-1:15 p.m. Josh Wright 1:45-3 p.m. Soulshine Band 3:30-5 p.m. Rhythm Intervention 10-11:30 a.m.

October 2016 â&#x2013; Shrimp Festival 15

We know you love our beach! Gulf Shores and Orange Beach strive to provide a safe, clean, family-friendly environment. You can help protect the coast by observing beach rules and regulations. Enjoy the beach responsibly and safely.

Prohibited items include glass containers, fires, pets & loud music.

PLEASE REMOVE ALL PERSONAL ITEMS DAILY Any personal property left on the beach one hour after sunset will be removed and disposed of overnight.

For more information, check www.cleanisland.org

Why the best shrimp is served at Bill’s By The Beach!

16 Shrimp Festival ■ October 2016

We serve only shrimp wild caught in the Gulf of Mexico and other American waters. - The majority of shrimp served at the National Shrimp Festival is foreign sourced and grown in aqua farms that use antibiotics and pesticides. - Shrimp farmed in Southeast Asia is associated with flagrant human rights abuses (including forced child labor, slavery & human trafficking) as documented in the Associated Press report which earned a Pulitzer Prize in April 2016. - If you traveled to the festival to enjoy Gulf shrimp, come to Bill's By The Beach for Wild American Shrimp and other seafood wild caught from domestic waters. - Support American shrimpers, fisherman, seafood processors, distributors and restaurants that serve only Wild American Shrimp. - Know what you buy, consume and support. Also check out our award winning wine list, which received a 2016 Wine Spectator Award of Excellence - more than 115 wines from across 12 countries, selected and priced to suit a diverse range of tastes and pocketbooks.

Hours 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday — Friday Saturday & Sunday 9 a.m. — 10 p.m.

251-948-5227 | bbtb.com | 300 West Beach Blvd., Gulf Shores, AL 36542 Follow on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest