Thousands Expected on Jekyll Island, Ga. for the Country's Only Celebration Dedicated to Iconic Southern Dish: Shrimp & Grits

/PRNewswire/ -- What was once a simple food pairing deeply rooted in the South, Shrimp & Grits has become a menu-must for exclusive restaurants across the country. The only event in the country dedicated to this quintessential Southern dish kicks off Sept 18: "Shrimp & Grits: The Wild Georgia Shrimp Festival."

Set in the Jekyll Island Club Hotel's landmark historic district, the popular festival boasts amateur and professional cooking competitions, shrimp boat excursions, shrimp eating contests, cooking demonstrations, races, entertainment, and much more.

"The Jekyll Island Shrimp & Grits Festival is a great time to enjoy the beauty of Jekyll Island while dining on delicious coastal cuisine caught right off the Georgia coast," said Beth Burnsed, Director of Special Events for Jekyll Island. "We began the Shrimp & Grits Festival as a way to showcase Jekyll Island and Wild Georgia Shrimp. As more and more restaurants began serving shrimp & grits, we realized that we were at the forefront of a growing trend. We are thrilled to host such a prominent and highly anticipated signature event."

In celebration, September has been declared "Wild Georgia Shrimp Month" on Jekyll Island and the neighboring Golden Isles, and some of the South's finest professional and amateur chefs will be competing for the coveted title of "Best Shrimp & Grits" recipe in the country. "Y'all Come!"

Set amid Jekyll Island's picturesque Jekyll Island Club National Landmark Historic District, the festival will kick off on Friday, September 18th at 5:30 p.m. with a "$3 Shrimp Sample Night," where participants will have the opportunity to taste recipes from vendors throughout the region.

On Saturday guests will have the opportunity to enjoy the Amateur Cooking Competition, which offers mouth-watering opportunities to taste and judge ten shrimp & grits dishes prepared by aspiring and self-taught cooks throughout the region. Festivities continue on Sunday when the winner of the Professional Cooking Competition will be announced in the afternoon.

Visitors can purchase VIP tickets in advance or learn more about the weekend festivities by visiting: www.jekyllisland.com/shrimpandgrits.

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