Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival canceled for 2nd year in a row

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FERNANDINA BEACH, Fla. —

For the second year in a row, the Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival has been canceled.

The festival and parade were scheduled for April 29 – May 2.

Board Chairman Harry Harrison announced the 2021 cancelation due to COVID-19 concerns.

“We have to take into account the health & safety of all of our volunteers, sponsors, vendors, and of course, the general public,” said Harrison.

According to the cancellation letter, the Shrimp Festival Committee is planning to host a “Falling for Shrimp” weekend Oct. 2 and Oct. 3.

Harrison stated, “Although this won’t be the normal ‘Shrimp Festival,’ it will have numerous aspects you have grown to love and look forward to each year.”

Action News Jax’s Ben Ryan spoke to Harrison and the manager of Timothy’s Seafood Shack regarding the cancelation.

Bryan Poynter, Timothy’s Seafood Shack manager, said, “It sort of kicks off the summertime, you know? It’s your pre-Memorial Day kickoff, so by not having it, you don’t have that big sales spike that weekend, and you lose that momentum. It’s just different.”

Every year, the festival brings between 110,000-140,000 people to Fernandina Beach, giving businesses a boost in sales.

The festival brings about $12 million to Nassau County, according to Harrison. And with the plan for the fall, he’s hoping things can bounce back.

Harrison said while the decision to cancel is tough, he believes it is the right one.