The 25^thAnnual Beaufort Shrimp Festival, celebrating SC Wild Caught Shrimp and local food and fun here in the Lowcountry, is coming up on Friday, October 4 and Saturday, October 5 at Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park in downtown Beaufort. One of Beaufort’s larger and most popular events, the festival kicks off at 6 pm on Friday and includes live music along with several area restaurants previewing their shrimp dishes for Saturday’s competitions. All restaurants will be using SC Wild Caught Shrimp.

Fortunately, you don’t have to wait until 6 pm for the fun to begin because you can browse and shop the festival’s Arts & Crafts Market starting at Noon.

The festival’s popular Run Forrest Run 5K (USATF certified course) will begin at 8 am on Saturday morning. The Popcorn Shrimp Run for ages 7 and under will begin at 8:30 am. All require advanced registration. Visit this link: https://runsignup.com/Race/SC/Beaufort/2019RunForrestRun5k

The event continues on Saturday at 11 am with local restaurants putting their unique spins on fresh local shrimp to compete for the “Best Shrimp Dish” and “Best Booth Decoration” voted by a panel of judges, and the “People’s Choice,” chosen by festival attendees. The overall winner will be awarded the prestigious “Silver Cup.”

Adults can participate in a shrimp heading competition and children in a shrimp peeling competition for various prizes. Don’t miss the children’s games and activities, and arts and crafts vendors too. Be sure not to miss the Annual Sea Island Rotary Club’s Charity Shrimp Race and witness 5,000 rubber floating shrimp racing down the Beaufort River adjacent to Waterfront Park at 3 pm. The first 10 shrimp to cross the finish line share $5,000 in cash prizes and the first 100 shrimp have a chance to win a car or boat!

“And if you call me at 4 am, too sad to even say hello, I will listen to your silence until you fall asleep.” - Anonymous

There’s an old saying about how opposites attract. Old but wrong.

Thank you Beaufort – and all who appreciate the service of our wonderful military veterans! Several months ago the Zonta Club of Beaufort, in conjunction with the Centennial of Zonta International, undertook an effort to sponsor a “K9 for a Warrior” (a Woman Marine) to the tune of $20,000. “K9's s for Warriors” is an organization that specializes in working with vets with PTSD, Traumatic Brain Injury and Military Sexual Trauma. Thanks to the relationship between our community and our military, the Zonta Club of Beaufort happily announces that their goal has been met! A huge THANK YOU to all who made this happen!

In the past two articles they named many groups who donated and helped them in their endeavors. Since that time new projects moved them towards their goal. Two Zonta Sisters used social media to have Birthday Fund Me pages. Their combined total was over $1,300.  The Ladies Group of Carteret Methodist Church and Zonta hosted a Luncheon and Card Party which brought in more than $1,800. Zonta Sisters from neighboring clubs sent checks.  Several well-known insurance agents, an ophthalmologist, and a CPA firm helped out. Believe it or not, a jar at The Chocolate Tree netted more than $700 from visitors and loyal customers. The Knights of Columbus Third and Fourth Degree Councils chipped in $1,000. A grant was given by St. Peter's Catholic Church. Talk about a team effort!

Since all Women Marines are trained at nearby Parris Island, the Zonta Club of Beaufort hopes to share photos and news from their “Hometown Hero” very soon. Watch for the next update.