The 15th Annual Beaufort Shrimp Festival takes place on October 2 – 3, 2009 at Henry C. Chambers Watefront Park, Beaufort, SC.

This is the perfect place to visit to try samples of Lowcountry dishes featuring shrimp. The festival also features a cooking competition, where prizes are awarded for “best recipe” and “most creative recipe” honors.

The event kicks off with a Friday evening concert in the park, where your invited to “dance your shrimp tail off”. If dancing is not your style, how about enjoying live music and sample delicious shrimp dishes.  Six restaurants are allowing you to preview – or purchase a sample – of dishes entered in Saturday’s competition. Lighted shrimp boats will add to the festive atmosphere of the evening. Gates open at 6 p.m.

Saturday’s begins with a 5k Run over Woods Memorial Bridge, and a 5k “Walk through History” in the historic Old Point neighborhood in Beaufort. This is a great way to work up a healthy appetite!

Make sure to arrive on an empty stomach, you won’t regret it. You really need to have room for all the shrimp specialties restaurants offer. This is probably why this event is one of the most popular in the Lowcountry. Saturday also include arts & crafts, live entertainment, the “Popcorn Shrimp Race” for kids, shrimp peeling contests, shrimp heading contests and more.

Tickets for food & drink are  $1 each, which sounds like a deal.

For more information, click here.