We just finished our third year at Jekyll Island Wild Shrimp and Grits festival. This is their 7th year and they just keep getting better. It is evident that the Committee has been working to continue improving the event. The quality of arts and crafts has come up several notches. They organize the event so that family oriented venues (pony rides, children areas and such) are in one area, the food and stage is in another area and the arts and quality crafts are along the walkway under the canopy of the stately live oak trees. The Jekyll Team were gracious hosts and checked frequently to make sure everything was going well.
There are still a couple of things they need to consider. They should consider streamlining check-in and the selection of music and volume from the radio station “DJ” was not in keeping with such a lovely setting. We voiced our opinion to the director and team members. Our comments were readily accepted and we feel they will honestly look at these things.
We would give kudos to the Jekyll Island Authority and staff. The festival area was kept immaculately clean.
We love to come to this event for the absolutely amazing “Taste of Jekyll” shrimp and grits on Friday evening. Our favorite is the serving from the Jekyll Island Club. For $3.00 you get a nice size bowl and they are generous with the shrimp. Set up is on Friday (assigned time slots) and the event runs from 5-9 pm. Saturday runs from 10 am to 9pm. If you are going to do this show purchasing electricity is a must for those evening hours. Sunday the show is from 10 to 4 pm which means we get on the road well before dark. Our sales this year were slightly down from last year but still worth the time. As always success among venders varied. We took “Best In Category” (Photography) for the second year in a row. We will try for three in a row next year.
Comments
Thanks for the wonderful photos Wayne :)
Thanks Wayne, I'll be at Oktoberfest on the Riverfront in Savannah Oct 6-7. Stop by and say "hi" if you are there. The $3. Shrimp n Grits is the Friday "taste of" price. Saturday and Sunday the price goes up.
Thanks for all the pixs, they really help as one can get an idea of what products , excuse me art that is being sold by the types of tents that are there. If I see too many e-z ups that is a tell for me. also the photos give you an idea of what types of art being sold. Thanks Again
Good review Maryllis, I stopped by your booth and was admiring your work. I could see why you got 'Best in Category'. I went down to Jekyll (from Savannah) just to scout out the festival for next year and I liked the way it was laid out. Plenty of room for the canopy, lots of shade, loads of people, a very relaxed atmosphere. The one thing I noticed, was that very few people were pulling out there wallet, nobody was buying anything. There was a lot of good stuff that the vendors were presenting, but everyone was spending there money on just shrimp (which I thought was kind-of expensive), 5 shrimp and grits for $9, not $3... So I might do the fest next year but I also have a full time day and doing a 3 day fest may not be feasible.
Here's some pics in my view of the festival, and the last pic is a good reason to go to the fest and then stop by Driftwood Beach. Especially if your a photographer...
Congrats on your award, Maryllis! I'm adding this to my list of shows to try for next year. Thanks!
Thanks for the review Maryllis and the pics (I always love seeing what the shows look like!) - it looks like a lovely spot. Congrats on your award!