Festival season is upon us!

Now that summer is over (don’t tell the weather), the days are getting shorter and the crowds are virtually non-existent. But there’s still a lot to do on Edisto Beach, especially now that festival season is here.

In just a couple of weeks, the fourth annual Edisto Beach Shrimp Fest will take place from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Sept. 27 at Bay Creek Park.

Here’s what you need to know about this epic event….

The Details

Admission to the festival is free until 5 p.m. and then it is $3 per person. Children ages 12 and under get in for free at all hours.

DJ Jim Bowers will play music from noon to 5 p.m. and then Steve Craig and The Out of Towners will take the stage. The live music begins at 6 p.m. and lasts until 10 p.m.

Throughout the day, visitors in attendance will feast upon hot dogs, hamburgers, and, of course, local seafood. Much of the food will be prepared using old Edisto recipes, so you’ll be able to get a taste of real lowcountry eating.

There will also be arts and crafts for visitors to peruse.

Some of the real fun starts at 5 p.m. when the shag lessons get started. A dance team comprised of members of the Bach Music and Shag Preservation Society of South Carolina.

Visitors are asked not to bring any lawn chairs, coolers, or pets. There is no smoking in the park.

Why a Shrimp Fest?

This festival supports beach re-nourishment efforts. As with all beaches, Edisto Beach experiences erosion all throughout the year. The tides, storms, and other weather phenomenon contribute to the erosion of the coasts. That’s why many times visitors will notice that the beach looks slightly different from year to year.

With money raised from the Shrimp Festival, the Town of Edisto Beach will be able to re-nourish the beaches. This is mostly done with sand that is dredged up from area waterways and replaced on the coastline.

While this method doesn’t last forever, it is necessary to help maintain the beaches.

Supporting the Fishermen

In addition to the beach re-nourishment efforts, the Shrimp Festival helps locals and visitors to support all of those who make a life off of the water now and in the past.

The festival’s venue (Bay Creek Park) has many pictures of Edisto’s past. Be sure to check out some of the photos of the old shrimp boats to see how things have changed over the years.

You’ll also get the chance to look out at some of the shrimp boats in the area that are still in operation. These boats provide much of the shrimp that is eaten on the island.

And as any person who has ever eaten an Edisto shrimp can tell you, well, there’s nothing better.