Beaufort SC, October 9, 2025
News Summary
The Beaufort Shrimp Festival recently celebrated its 31st anniversary, showcasing local seafood and bringing attention to the challenges faced by U.S. shrimpers. With a theme of ‘Eat Local’, the festival featured a variety of shrimp dishes from local restaurants, live music, and family-friendly activities. However, it faced challenges due to a decline in local shrimp permits and ongoing legal issues regarding shrimp mislabeling. The festival signifies a strong commitment to supporting local shrimpers amid rising competition from imported shrimp.
Beaufort recently celebrated the 31st anniversary of the Beaufort Shrimp Festival, an event that highlights local seafood and the struggles faced by U.S. shrimpers. The festival, which took place over the weekend, showcased a variety of shrimp dishes prepared by local restaurants using wild-caught shrimp while promoting the theme of “Eat Local.”
The history of the festival dates back to 1994, coinciding with the release of the movie Forrest Gump, which prominently featured Beaufort. Despite its long-standing tradition, this year’s event faced unique challenges, such as the presence of only a single commercial shrimp trawler, which had to anchor in the Beaufort River due to structural issues with the promenade.
This year’s emphasis on local consumption comes in light of ongoing competition from imported shrimp. The S.C. Shrimpers Association is currently engaged in a federal lawsuit against 44 restaurants that are alleged to misrepresent imported shrimp as local products, a situation referred to as “shrimpgate.” To combat this, the association is advocating for state “truth in labeling” regulations akin to those in Mississippi, Louisiana, Alabama, and Texas.
The Beaufort Shrimp Festival was held shortly after the Yemassee Shrimp Festival, which also celebrated its 31st anniversary. Despite the festive atmosphere, local shrimpers are grappling with a decline in recreational shrimp-baiting permits, with only 6,000 permits issued last year compared to 17,000 in 1998.
The festival featured a two-day program that included live music, an arts and crafts market, and a variety of shrimp dishes. Notable performances were given by Threshold Party Band and Billy and the Jets. A highlighted feature of the festival was the 5K run titled “Run Forrest Run,” which paid homage to its cinematic origins.
The ongoing challenges for local shrimpers are compounded by a recent FDA recall of imported frozen shrimp due to contamination concerns, including radioactive material. This adds urgency to the shrimpers’ case for fair labeling and support for U.S.-caught seafood.
The event also provided family-friendly activities such as a Kids Corner and a Charity Shrimp Race. The festival is recognized as a celebration of Lowcountry food and culture, attracting up to 10,000 attendees.
Key Highlights of Beaufort Shrimp Festival
- 31st anniversary of the festival, first held in 1994.
- Local restaurants prepared shrimp dishes using wild-caught shrimp.
- S.C. Shrimpers Association engaged in legal action over shrimp mislabeling.
- Activities included live music and a 5K run called “Run Forrest Run.”
- Decline in recreational shrimp-baiting permits noted.
- Recent FDA recall of imported shrimp due to contamination.
- Festival activities designed for families, including a Kids Corner.
- Attendance estimated at up to 10,000.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Beaufort Shrimp Festival?
The Beaufort Shrimp Festival is an event celebrating local seafood and shrimpers, highlighting shrimp dishes prepared by local restaurants.
When did the Beaufort Shrimp Festival begin?
The festival began in 1994, coinciding with the release of the movie “Forrest Gump.”
What challenges are local shrimpers facing?
Local shrimpers face competition from imported shrimp, which they argue is of lower quality and may be misrepresented by restaurants.
What is the attendance of the festival?
The festival attracts up to 10,000 attendees.
What activities are included in the festival?
Activities include live music, an arts and crafts market, a Kids Corner, and a Charity Shrimp Race.
Chart of Key Features
| Description | Details |
|---|---|
| Event Name | Beaufort Shrimp Festival |
| Anniversary Year | 31 |
| First Held | 1994 |
| Attendance | Up to 10,000 |
| Main Theme | Eat Local |
| Main Activities | Live Music, Arts and Crafts Market, Kids Corner, Charity Shrimp Race |
| Recent Challenge | Federal lawsuit over shrimp mislabeling |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Committee Discusses Promenade Rebuilding in Beaufort
Beaufort Welcomes Two New Dining Establishments
Beaufort Hosts the 31st Annual Shrimp Festival Amid Quality Concerns
Historic Beaufort Foundation Hosts Brunch Lecture and Tour
Bluffton and Beaufort Celebrate Fall with Community Events
Beaufort Celebrates Annual Shrimp Festival with Community Spirit
Explore the Lowcountry with New Book by Seldons
Exploring South Carolina’s Towns with European Charm
Beaufort to Host Annual Shrimp Festival
OktoPRfest: Oktoberfest Celebration in Port Royal
Additional Resources
- Your Island News: 31st Annual Beaufort Shrimp Festival
- WJCL: Beaufort Shrimp Festival Returns for 31st Year
- Explore Beaufort SC: All You Need to Know About Beaufort Shrimp Festival
- Island Packet: Beaufort News on Shrimp Festival
- Google Search: Beaufort Shrimp 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.
