National Shrimp Festival includes Oct. 8 O.B. race

National Shrimp Festival includes Oct. 8 O.B. race

A tradition dating all the way back to 1977, the National Shrimp Festival 5k/10k Run & Walk will be held on Saturday, Oct. 8 at the Orange Beach Sportsplex. 10K runners will make their way around the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail beginnng at 7:30 a.m., and the 5k will start at 7:50 a.m. Register online at chronotrack.com or register on race day beginning at 6:30 a.m.
The 49th edition of the Annual National Shrimp Festival is being held Oct. 6-9 at Gulf Shores Public Beach and includes live music throughout the four days on two stages located at each end of the grounds.
In addition to Trent Tomlinson, the line-up includes Voice contestant Kirk Jay, longtime Shrimp Fest favorites Velcro Pygmies, and Dr. Zarr’s Amazing Funk Monster, and tribute bands performing the hits of Queen, AC/DC, Bon Jovi, and Journey.
Additional activities to take place under the festival’s umbrella include:
• Singing for Scholarship Competition – Saturday, Oct. 8 – West Stage – 10 a.m. – Baldwin County students will compete on stage for scholarships in a live singing competition. The top three competitors will receive cash prizes for themselves and their school’s music program.
• Sand Sculpture Contest presented by Ike’s Beach Service – Saturday, Oct. 8 – The beach area towards the back of the festival grounds – Registration and contest begins at 11 a.m. Four different age categories will be judged. Prizes to be awarded include $100 cash, $50 cash, hand made sand sculpture trophies, and Shrimp Festival posters.
Visit myshrimpfest.com for more info. The fest is the state’s original beach party and is put on by the Coastal Al. Business Chamber.