Let's Get This Party Crackin':

Welcome to the 30th Annual

Yemassee Shrimp Festival!

Happy Friday, Yemassee! As we kick off Day 2 of the Shrimp Festival, we want to remind everyone that the fun is just getting started! We hope you're ready for an exciting weekend as we celebrate "30 Years...Shrimply the Best!"

Be sure to explore the carnival rides, enjoy the great variety of food and vendor booths, and soak in all the fantastic entertainment that the festival has to offer.

Tomorrow, the excitement continues with two headlining events—the Shrimp Festival Parade, led by our wonderful Grand Marshal, Peggy Bing O'Banner, and an evening concert featuring country singer Samee Cannon! Make sure you don’t miss these highlight moments.

We invite you and your family to join us from October 10-12 for a weekend packed with shrimp, games, live music, and fun.

We look forward to seeing you there!

A special thanks to this year’s festival co-chairs, Mayor Pro Tem Richie Hagan and Council Member Stacy Pinckney, for making this event unforgettable.

"Shrimply the Best!"

Celebrating 30 Years of

Community, Culture, and Coastal Charm

Shrimp Festival Highlights:

A Reel of Unforgettable Moments!

Unity Breakfast

There was no better way to commence the Shrimp Festival than by coming together for spiritual connection and fellowship at the

Unity Breakfast on Thursday, October 10, at the Pilgrimford Dining Room. Friends, neighbors, and community members gathered to share a delicious meal, strengthen bonds, and set the tone for a joyful festival ahead.

It was a beautiful start to the celebrations!  

Be sure to view pictures from the event on our Facebook page!

Opening Ceremony

The 30th Annual Yemassee Shrimp Festival officially kicked off in style on Thursday, October 10, at 6:00 PM at the Town Hall. The Opening Ceremony welcomed everyone to a weekend filled with shrimp, fun, and community spirit as we celebrated

30 incredible years of the festival.

Be sure to watch the video of the event on our Facebook page!

Kiddy Parade

Following the Opening Ceremony at 6:30 PM, the streets were filled with excitement as the adorable Kiddy Parade took center stage! Children dressed in festive costumes paraded near Town Hall, spreading joy and kicking off the weekend's festivities with smiles and laughter. It was a heartwarming display of community spirit and fun for all! Be sure to watch the video of the event on our Facebook page!

Festival Highlights

From October 10-12, the festival will feature rides, games, food, and entertainment for all ages, provided by Family Fun Tyme Amusements. Also stop in and visit our vendors.

Peggy Bing O'Banner

Named Grand Marshal

“Peggy's lifelong service, deep roots in our community, and passion for education and culture make her the perfect choice to lead this celebration. I am grateful for her participation in uniting us to celebrate Yemassee’s rich history and bright future," said Council Member Stacy Pinckney, co-chair of the Shrimp Festival Committee.

Peggy Bing O'Banner, a lifelong resident of Yemassee, has dedicated over 30 years of service to her community, including education, charities and being elected councilwoman and mayor pro tem. She is a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, educator, and cultural ambassador known for her passion for literacy, the Gullah culture, and deep faith. O'Banner’s tireless dedication to public service and education and her role as a Keeper of the Gullah culture make her an exceptional choice to lead this year’s celebration.

In addition to her work as a public servant, O'Banner has touched countless lives through her work in education, where she has served as a teacher, principal, Literacy Coach, and District Curriculum Specialist and is currently the President of the Low Country Chapter of the Palmetto State Literacy Association. Her love of reading, teaching, and sharing the Gullah culture has allowed her to travel the world, performing with Marlena Smalls and the Hallelujah Singers and working to instill pride in Yemassee’s rich heritage through her work with the nonprofit FA DA CHILLUN.

O'Banner's infectious joy for life, love for family, and many accomplishments make her the ideal Grand Marshal to represent the spirit of this year’s Shrimp Festival. Join us in celebrating Yemassee’s rich history, culture, and community from October 10 to 12!