It's time again for the 21^st  Annual Blessing of the Fleet and Seafood Festival.  This year's festival, being hosted by the Town of Mount Pleasant, will be held on Sunday, April 27^th from 11:30am to 5pm at the Alhambra Hall and Park on the Charleston Marina.

This highly-anticipated event celebrates the Mt. Pleasant shrimping industry and features local shrimp boat captains partaking in an annual pre-season tradition - the blessing of the shrimp fleet. As one of Mt. Pleasant's largest tourist events, the festival attracted 10,000 to 12,000 people from across the southeast last year. Proceeds from the event help support the local shrimping community as well as east cooper charities.

In addition to supporting the shrimpers and enjoying a blessing of their fleet, festival-goers will enjoy a day of fun, family-friendly entertainment, including beach music by the East Coast Party Band, and a variety of activities and exhibitors. Guests can try out seafood and other cuisine offered for sale by more than 12 participating local restaurants, partake in shrimp-eating contest on stage and show their moves during a lively shag dance contest hosted by local favorite DJ Jimmy Bowers.

Other highlights of the festival each year include an arts and crafts show featuring over 40 exhibitors, a display by the Mt. Pleasant Artists Guild in Alhambra Hall and various marine, maritime history and wildlife exhibits. During the event, Alhambra Park is the place to go for kids, where they can test their climbing skills on a rock wall and delight in engaging tricks and games performed by various magicians, clowns and face painters.

This event is free and everyone is encouraged to come out and enjoy a Charleston tradition!

*Photo courtesy of sniper13_x on flickr