Beaufort SC, October 6, 2025
News Summary
The 31st Annual Beaufort Shrimp Festival took place at Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park, celebrating local seafood and featuring live music, local chefs, and an Arts & Crafts Market. However, quality concerns regarding imported shrimp and a lawsuit affecting local shrimpers cast a shadow over the festivities. The festival also highlighted sustainable shrimping practices and included various activities like a 5K race and a charity shrimp race, attracting thousands of visitors to enjoy the Lowcountry experience.
Beaufort Hosts the 31st Annual Shrimp Festival Amid Quality Concerns
The 31st Annual Beaufort Shrimp Festival commenced on Friday, October 3, 2025, at Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park, drawing an anticipated crowd of 8,000 to 10,000 visitors over the two-day event. This popular festival celebrates South Carolina’s renowned seafood, particularly its shrimp.
The festival featured live music with performances from the Threshold Party Band at 5:15 p.m. and Billy and the Jets at 7:15 p.m. on Friday. In addition, local chefs showcased their culinary talent by preparing a variety of dishes using wild-caught shrimp.
Visitors had the opportunity to explore an Arts & Crafts Market featuring over 40 artisans selling handmade goods, which was open from noon to 6 p.m. on Friday and will continue from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday. A beloved tradition at the festival, Paul Dengler, an impersonator of Forrest Gump, entertained attendees by posing for photographs.
However, the festival backdrop included serious concerns raised by Bryan Jones from the South Carolina Shrimpers Association. He addressed the challenges faced by local shrimpers due to competition from imported shrimp. Jones highlighted the ongoing legal situation known as “shrimpgate,” a lawsuit involving 44 restaurants accused of misrepresenting imported shrimp as locally caught. Attendees were encouraged to “ask before you order” to ensure they were buying local shrimp.
To further support local shrimpers, the South Carolina Shrimpers Association is advocating for a country of origin labeling law in the upcoming legislative session. Additionally, a provision in the National Defense Authorization Act aims to guarantee that the U.S. military only purchases American-caught seafood.
The festival also included a “Run Forrest Run” 5K race on Saturday morning, where participants raced across the Woods Memorial Bridge, a location made famous by the film “Forrest Gump.” Moreover, attendees could learn about coastal ecosystems and sustainable shrimping practices at the Saturday Coastal Education Fair, which ran from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The 17th Annual Charity Shrimp Race, hosted by the Sea Island Rotary Club, took place on Saturday at 3 p.m., offering a generous grand prize of $30,000. Food vendors including Sea Eagle Market and Mother Smokin’ Good, were on-site providing a diverse range of delicious offerings that celebrate local shrimp.
The Beaufort Shrimp Festival emphasizes fresh, sustainably harvested shrimp sourced from the local waters, creating a genuine Lowcountry experience for all attendees.
Key Features of the Beaufort Shrimp Festival
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Date | October 3-4, 2025 |
| Location | Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park |
| Expected Visitors | 8,000 to 10,000 |
| Live Music | Threshold Party Band & Billy and the Jets |
| Arts & Crafts Market | 40+ artisans |
| Run Forrest Run 5K | Saturday morning |
| Charity Shrimp Race | Grand Prize: $30,000 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What date did the Beaufort Shrimp Festival start?
The 31st Annual Beaufort Shrimp Festival kicked off on Friday, October 3, 2025.
Where is the festival located?
The festival is held at Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park.
How many visitors are expected at the festival?
The festival attracts an expected 8,000 to 10,000 visitors across the two-day event.
What kind of entertainment is featured?
Live music included performances by the Threshold Party Band at 5:15 p.m. and Billy and the Jets at 7:15 p.m. on Friday.
What are shrimping quality concerns discussed at the festival?
Concerns were raised about imported shrimp quality and misrepresentation in restaurants accused of advertising imported shrimp as locally caught.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- WJCL: Beaufort Shrimp Festival Returns for 31st Year
- Wikipedia: Shrimp
- Explore Beaufort SC: All You Need to Know About the Beaufort Shrimp Festival
- Google Search: Beaufort Shrimp Festival
- Island Packet: Beaufort Shrimp Festival News
- Google Scholar: Beaufort Shrimp Festival
- WSAV: Beaufort Shrimp Festival Celebrates 30th Anniversary
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Festival
Author: STAFF HERE BEAUFORT
The HERE Beaufort Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Beaufort community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background: Local Roots in Beaufort : Our team includes lifelong Beaufort residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sale of the historic Crofts Block Building, Beaufort’s equestrian heritage, and growth in local tech and education sectors (e.g., BeaufortTechnical College programs). Collective Experience: With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Beaufort Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality: Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
