On the scenic shores of Alhambra Hall overlooking the beautiful Charleston, SC harbor, the Town of Mt. Pleasant will honor the 21st anniversary of a unique shrimping festival that attracts thousands of visitors each year. The 21st Annual Town of Mt. Pleasant Blessing of the Fleet & Seafood Festival Presented by Lucey Mortgage Corporation will take place on Sunday, April 27 from 11:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
This highly-anticipated event celebrates the Mt. Pleasant shrimping industry and features local shrimp boat captains partaking in an annual pre-season tradition – the blessing of the shrimp fleet. As one of Mt. Pleasant’s largest tourist events, the festival attracted 10,000 to 12,000 people from across the southeast last year. Proceeds from the event help support the local shrimping community as well as east cooper charities.
While some sponsorship opportunities for the event have been filled, some sponsorship spaces are still available. A new sponsorship level called “Friend of the Blessing of the Fleet†has been added to the 2008 event with the goal of attracting individual businesses who would like to contribute. For the very reasonable $50 sponsorship fee, “Friends of the Blessing of the Fleetâ€-level sponsors will receive recognition of their sponsorship at the event as well as a unique gift not sold to the public in return for their sponsorship. As a sponsor of the Blessing of the Fleet and Seafood Festival, sponsors enjoy the opportunity to support a cause that is a major part of Mt. Pleasant’s history, as well as help fund one of the area’s most high-anticipated annual festivals.
In addition to supporting the shrimpers and enjoying a blessing of their fleet, festival-goers will enjoy a day of fun, family-friendly entertainment, including beach music by the East Coast Party Band, and a variety of activities and exhibitors. Guests can try out seafood and other cuisine offered for sale by more than 12 participating local restaurants, partake in shrimp-eating contest on stage and show their moves during a lively shag dance contest hosted by local favorite DJ Jimmy Bowers.
Other highlights of the festival each year include an arts and crafts show featuring over 40 exhibitors, a display by the Mt. Pleasant Artists Guild in Alhambra Hall and various marine, maritime history and wildlife exhibits. During the event, Alhambra Park is the place to go for kids, where they can test their climbing skills on a rock wall and delight in engaging tricks and games performed by various magicians, clowns and face painters.
There is no admission fee to the Town of Mt. Pleasant Blessing of the Fleet & Seafood Festival, and parking is free. This is a family event and no alcohol is sold. Animals, skateboards and bicycles are not allowed.
Businesses interested in becoming a sponsor for the event should contact Su McManus-Frost at 843-849-2061.
For more information on the Town of Mt. Pleasant Blessing of the Fleet & Seafood Festival, call 843-849-2061 or visit www.townofmountpleasant.com.