By Shannon Williams
I came to the peninsula full time in 2013, we got married that year a few days before what would have been my first Crab Fest, we had planned to go and see what it was all about, but the rain was coming, so we decided to drive to West Texas and tell my mother we had gotten married (it was a second marriage for both of us, so it was very low key and we kept it that way, by not telling anyone before we did it). It would be 2014 before I got to experience Crab Fest for the first time. We had been asked by our friend and neighbor, Gray Hays, to take the Saturday morning shift at the front gate. We both had always been involved in the community we lived in, so we said yes, having not a clue of what it was, how big it was, or most important how much fun it was.
And since that year, we have been at the front gate each Saturday morning of the Crab Fest, we do it for lots of reasons, but the big one, is it is just a ton of fun and we would not miss it! But if you have never been, and are thinking what is this all about, what is there to do, to eat, to see and have fun, well there is lots and you should take it all it.
It starts Friday afternoon, with a very nice opening ceremony, honoring who we are and where we live is seen all weekend long. The vendors will be ready to feed you, sell you art, clothes, neat food products (like dip mixes, jerky, cakes with alcohol, chow chow and more), toys for kids, stuff for your beach house and garden, crafts of every shape and size. I always have to check out any new vendors who are making wreaths, and get my dip mixes for another year. There are wonderful artist with all types of works of art. It is where I first saw the work of Patricia Hagstrom, who does wonderful silk screen art, that celebrates coastal life. Each year, I try not to buy another one, as I have several but I just love her work and she is so fun to visit with. You never know what type of art work you will see.
Friday evening, grab some food, I have to warn you that you will have trouble deciding, so come hungry, try it all and go back often. I love a soft-shelled crab sandwich, some soft ice cream, a big ole corn dog with some lemonade to go with it. I always have trouble, as I want to try the new vendors but don’t want to miss my favorites, good thing I have all weekend. Bring your chair and get a front row seat for the two-step contest Friday night, I love to watch couples who have danced for years, it is a beauty and grace like none other. I would hate to have to judge that contest, as they always have really good dancers. You can try your luck at the many Tournaments (Horseshoes, Washers, and Cornhole).
Saturday a whole new bunch of fun starts with the Crab Fest Run and Walk (5k, and 1 K and kids ) or if running or walking is not your thing, you can enter the 0.0 ! You get a t shirt, a Beer and admission to the main gate and all you do is watch (I think you have to walk across the line LOL). If you worked up an appetite, you can go and get a taste of gumbo at the gumbo cookoff! There is contest for eating, such as crab/boudin balls and contest for crab legs! My favorite is the Wiener Dog Races, you will laugh and laugh! There is a kid zone, with lots of fun stuff for the kids, all day crab races and MUSIC.
Does it get any better than being outside listening to music? There are so many types this year, there is truly something for everyone and they are always good. I love all the different bands that come it and often just dance around the whole festival grounds. Sunday if FREE for all, come and be with your mother, enter the scavenger hunt as a family and see what you can win. Speaking of winning, there is a great silent action and the golf cart raffle. You really must go and experience all that it has to offer and the funds from the events support so much in our community. The Crab Fest foundation gives away scholarships and supports many programs all year long. Several non-profits will be selling items to raise funds for their group. The parking is free and golf carts can take you right up to the front gate. Children 14 and younger get in free, what a deal!
So, go and support this and have some fun, you will be glad you did! See you there.
