FOLIOThe 41st Annual Rock Shrimp Festival continues its long-standing tradition of family fun on Saturday, October 5, in historic St. Marys, Georgia. The festival presents a full day of events including a 5K and 10K races, 1-mile Kids Fun Run and a themed parade featuring decorated floats, fire trucks, tractors, golf carts, and more. The streets will be overflowing with all day entertainment, demonstrations, arts & crafts vendors and food concessionaires. A favorite for the day will be the dinners that include fresh rock shrimp, the southeastern delicacy that is the festivals namesake.
This year’s theme is “Kiwanis Rocks for Camden Kids” and event mascot, “Rocky the Shrimp,” will be roaming the crowd throughout the day. Angela Wigger, Director of Tourism, said festivals draw people to our historic district and the Rock Shrimp Festival is a fall favorite on the coast. The festival offers a hometown feel and the crowd provides a nice economic boost. You can also “ride the rails” on a brand new St. Marys attraction. The “St. Marys Express” is set to begin their themed train excursions at noon on festival day with rides also available at 2pm and 4pm. “The Great Pumpkin Express” will leave from Theatre by the Trax and the almost 10 mile ride will last approximately 1 ½ hours. Tickets are $17 for adults and $11 for children 12 and under. Kids under two ride for free. Visit www.stmarysrailroad.com for tickets or call 912-200-5235 for information.
Advance registration is encouraged for the Kiwanis 5K and 10K Runs and is mandatory for Vendors and Parade Entries. Those interested in participating can visit www.smkiwanis.com for registration forms and information. Discounted rock shrimp dinner tickets can be purchased, prior to the event, at several locations including the St. Marys Welcome Center and the Kingsland Welcome Center.
The tentative festival schedule is:
7:30 a.m. 5K & 10 K Races Start
9: 00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Vendors
9:00 a.m. 1 Mile Kids Fun Run
9:30 a.m. Race Awards
10:00 a.m. Parade Begins
10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Vendors
11:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Rock Shrimp Dinners
Plus All Day Entertainment & Demonstrations
The Rock Shrimp Festival is organized by the Kiwanis Club of St. Marys and supported by the City of St. Marys and area sponsors. Kiwanis President Chris Thurner shared that all proceeds from the festival are spent locally to fund programs that benefit children and youth in Camden County. For information or questions contact the St. Marys Convention & Visitors Bureau at 912.882.4000 visit www.smkiwanis.com.
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