Shrimp Festival, Freedom Fest To Return

GULF SHORES, Ala. — The Coastal Alabama Business Chamber has announced that the Shrimp Festival will return after two years of cancellations. October 6-9 are the dates set for the Gulf Shores festival, although a specific location has not been determined. Festival Chairman Andrew Hart said he and the chamber’s Festival Committee are working to “fine tune both our existing programs and some new elements. With demand up, we are anticipating this year to be one of our most attended festivals in history.” “We’re currently working with a national company to bring in new sponsors to the festival,” added Greg Alexander, president and CEO of the chamber. “Doing so will not only allow those companies to get exposure in our area, but will also allow them to bring experiences to our attendees that will enhance the overall festival experience.” Freedom Fest, which was quickly organized for the first time last year upon the Shrimp Festival’s cancellation to, as the organizers said, “provide a venue for artists and guests who [would] still be in town,” is returning to Orange Beach. Set for September 30-October 2, it is planned to be larger this year. The first three days will include arts and crafts and food vendors, entertainment, children’s activities and a fall edition of Bama Coast Cruisin’ from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. A Friday night concert is also planned at The Wharf Amphitheatre. The Second Annual Let Freedom Roar Run and Rally with a motorcycle and Jeep parade will take place around noon on the next day. This event will benefit Youth-Reach Gulf Coast. The final day is to include a keynote speaker and benefit concert headlined by John Rich of Big & Rich at the Amphitheatre at The Wharf.