Shrimp Festival Sneads Ferry: A Celebration of Seafood and Community

Every year, the small town of Sneads Ferry, North Carolina comes alive with the sights, sounds, and smells of the Shrimp Festival. This beloved event celebrates the town’s rich history as a fishing community and showcases the best seafood the area has to offer. From fresh shrimp to crab cakes, visitors can indulge in a variety of delicious dishes while enjoying live music, carnival rides, and more. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the Shrimp Festival Sneads Ferry and what makes it such a special event.

The History of Sneads Ferry

Sneads Ferry is a small town located in Onslow County, North Carolina. It’s situated on the banks of the New River, which flows into the Atlantic Ocean. The town has a long history as a fishing community, dating back to the early 1900s. At that time, local fishermen would catch shrimp, crabs, and other seafood and sell it to markets in nearby cities.

Over time, Sneads Ferry grew into a thriving fishing village, with dozens of seafood processing plants and a bustling commercial fishing industry. However, in the 1980s, the industry began to decline due to overfishing and changes in regulations. Many of the processing plants closed, and the town’s economy suffered.

The Birth of the Shrimp Festival

In 1971, a group of local business owners and community leaders came together to create the first Shrimp Festival. The goal was to celebrate the town’s fishing heritage and bring visitors to the area. The festival was a huge success, drawing thousands of people from all over the region.

Since then, the Shrimp Festival has become an annual tradition in Sneads Ferry. It’s held on the second weekend in August and features a variety of activities for all ages. Visitors can enjoy live music, carnival rides, arts and crafts vendors, and of course, plenty of delicious seafood.

What to Expect at the Shrimp Festival

Food

The Shrimp Festival is all about the food. Visitors can sample a variety of seafood dishes, including fresh shrimp, crab cakes, clam chowder, and more. There are also non-seafood options available, such as barbecue and funnel cakes. Many of the food vendors are local restaurants and businesses, so you can be sure you’re getting a taste of the best the area has to offer.

Entertainment

In addition to the food, the Shrimp Festival offers plenty of entertainment options. There are live music performances throughout the weekend, featuring a variety of genres from country to rock. There are also carnival rides and games for kids and adults alike. And if you’re interested in history, you can take a tour of the Sneads Ferry Shrimp House, which was once a processing plant and is now a museum.

Arts and Crafts

If you’re looking for unique souvenirs or gifts, be sure to check out the arts and crafts vendors at the Shrimp Festival. You’ll find everything from handmade jewelry to pottery to paintings. Many of the vendors are local artists and craftsmen, so you can support the community while finding something special to take home.

Getting to the Shrimp Festival

The Shrimp Festival is held in Sneads Ferry, North Carolina, which is located about 30 minutes north of Wilmington. If you’re driving, take US-17 North and turn onto NC-210 East. Follow the signs to the festival grounds, which are located at the corner of Fulcher Landing Road and Sneads Ferry Road.

If you’re flying into the area, the closest airport is Wilmington International Airport (ILM), which is about 40 minutes away by car. There are also several hotels and vacation rentals in the area if you’re planning to stay overnight.

Conclusion

The Shrimp Festival Sneads Ferry is a beloved event that celebrates the town’s rich history as a fishing community. From fresh seafood to live music to carnival rides, there’s something for everyone at this annual festival. If you’re looking for a fun and unique way to experience the best of North Carolina’s coastal culture, be sure to add the Shrimp Festival to your list of must-see events.

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