Weekends Away

Do Oil and Shrimp Mix?

Tons of shrimp to eat, dancing in the street, and a blessing of the fleet!
One of the highlights of the Shrimp and Petroleum festival is the blessing of the fleet, which dates back to 1936, during which the King’s Vessel and the Queen’s Vessel meeet in a bow-to-bow “kiss” for the traditional champagne toast
If shrimp and petroleum seem like an odd combination, then you haven’t been to Morgan City on the first weekend in September. Tens of thousands flock south to celebrate the peculiar marriage of the oil extraction and shrimping industries at Louisiana’s oldest chartered harvest festival. Festivities honor two very different area industries that work hand-in-hand culturally, environmentally and economically.

Highlights of the five-day extravaganza include a street fair, a very large arts and crafts market that attracts more than one hundred vendors, live music, an elaborate children’s village featuring various races, activities, storytelling and a kids’ parade; a shrimp cook-off, the Cajun Culinary Classic and tons more.

A handy shuttle service runs to and from local hotels during the festival from 11 am–11pm. Hotels on the run include the Holiday Inn, Days Inn, and Best Western and others. Once you’re at the festival site walking distance to all events is no more than two blocks. Folks in the festival office, at 715 Second Street, are there to help, and information booths are set up around the festival.

At 10 am Sunday, be sure not to miss blessing of the fleet which dates back to 1936, and the traditional water parade, which features decorated shrimp boats, pleasure craft, and some of the biggest muscle boats in the oil patch. Not to be missed is the toast between the King’s Vessel and the Queen’s Vessel - a tradition in which the giant boats maneuver into a bow-to-bow “kiss” for the traditional champagne toast.

Local, state, and regional musicians bring to the festival Zydeco, Cajun, Country, and popular music. Bands will include the Chee-Weez; After 8; Vince Anthony and the Blue Notes; and Willie T. and the Cypress Band.

The festival is free and runs from August 28—September 1. For a complete schedule call (800) 256-2931 or visit www.shrimp-petrofest.org.