Honor guard starts the parade
floats of all types participate
Stage coach at shrimp festival parade
One of our favorite times on Amelia Island and the largest festival is the Shrimp Festival, held the first weekend of May each year. Festivities begin with a parade on Thursday evening and it is the longest of the year at over and hour. Many residents, businesses and associations participate and awards are given for the best float linking in the parade theme. It is truly a family affair with many children participating and many more lining the streets to get glimpses of all the fun floats and characters from pirates to Disney type costumes. Of course pirates abound and the parade closes with the pirate ship firing loud and smokey guns and cannon. Candy and beads are given out to spectators and everyone vies for the most collected and greatest variety. This is our sixth year of attending and viewing from the Williams House and this was the first year threatened by rain. But, rain came just before the parade, stopped for the hour plus of the parade and resumed again soon thereafter. Once again the parade was dry and fun! Enjoy the attached pictures.
old fire engine
Williams House guests enjoy parade from porches
Shrimps abound
Characters welcome
Another shrimp float
This shrimp rocks
Dancing in the street
Kids enjoy parade
Another fun float
Beware of pirates
Pirates must have a ship
Tags: Amelia Island Activities, local attractions, shrimp festival
