A long-standing Florida tradition returns for the 14th year this August. In a celebration of the Gulf region and Florida’s “Forgotten Coast,” the Gulf County Chamber of Commerce hosts the Florida Scallop & Music Festival, formerly known as the St. Joseph Bay Scallop Festival, which brings arts and crafts, music, and the ocean’s bounty to the Waterfront at Shipyard Cove on Friday, Aug. 6 through Sunday, Aug. 8.
A weekend of fun with attractions from local businesses, such as some free bingo, and regional food at an inexpensive price gives the Southeast an easy way to experience the best of the Port St. Joe area while supporting the economy and culture of Florida’s Gulf area.
The kickoff on Friday features an all-day merchant sidewalk sale, where local vendors and artists will showcase their best, and will include a Patron Dinner featuring James Beard Award-winning Chef Louis Osteen, of Watermark, Miro District, and the soon to open The Blind Pig No. 55, all in Nashville; James Beard Award-winning Chef Martha Foose, author of Screen Doors and Sweet Tea; Chef Todd Richards of Rolling Bones Premium Pit BBQ in Atlanta; and Chef Jason Alley of Comfort Restaurant in Richmond, Va. General festivities begin on Saturday with the traditional opening ceremony.
A variety of vendors will serve scallops to festival-goers and other vendors will also be serving refreshing snacks and meals. While feasting on the festival’s namesake, guests can also peruse the merchandise of many artists and craft vendors throughout the day, and enjoy live music from Amanda Shaw, Bo Spring Band, Eric Lindell, The Tams and Treme Brass Band. The fun continues on Sunday with the returning vendors and activities. Scallops and snacks will be served by various vendors until Sunday evening.
The Florida Scallop Festival promises fun for the whole family. Admission for children ages 10 and younger is free, as is for those 65 years and older and military personnel with valid I.D. General admission to the festival is $5.00 per person on Saturday, and $5.00 per person on Sunday.
For more information on the Florida Scallop & Music Festival, visit www.gulfchamber.org/scallopfestival.
2010 Florida Scallop & Music Festival
The 2010 Florida Scallop & Music Festival is taking place August 6 – 8, 2010. The festival, once named The St. Joseph Bay Scallop Festival, is in its 14th year. Recreational-harvested scallops are enjoyed and celebrated during this event featuring live music, arts and more. The Florida Scallop & Music Festival is held in downtown Port St. Joe on Florida’s beautiful “Forgotten Coast” in Gulf County. The area is located in Florida’s Northwestern Panhandle, approximately 35 miles southeast of Panama City. For more information, please visit www.gulfchamber.org/scallopfestival.