Ring in the Holiday Season at Jekyll Island's One-of-a-Kind "Merry Shrimpmas" Festival Nov. 24-25

JEKYLL ISLAND, Ga., Nov. 21, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Jekyll Island is inviting area residents and visitors to ring in the holiday season in cheerful, high-spirited island fashion at its unique, one-time-only "Merry Shrimpmas" festival, taking place this Friday and Saturday, Nov. 24-25.

After Hurricane Irma forced the cancellation of the annual Shrimp & Grits Festival in September, Merry Shrimpmas was born. This week's event combines the best of the best from two beloved Jekyll Island traditions: the Shrimp & Grits Festival and the annual Tree Lighting Festival. With activities for all ages, this special Merry Shrimpmas mashup is a coastal holiday spectacular not to be missed.

For shrimp and grits fans, local restaurants will be on hand to share delectable tastes of their inspired shrimp and grits recipes throughout the weekend. During Friday's "Sample Night," visitors will be treated to half-price shrimp and grits samples and invited to participate in "People's Choice" voting for the best version of the dish.

A variety of sweet treats and mouthwatering bites will be available from an array of regional food trucks each day.

Attendees can check off items on their shopping list while also supporting local businesses. With something for every interest, the curated Artists' Market will showcase art and handcrafted provisions produced by vendors from around the Southeast.

Festivalgoers will enjoy performances by local and regional musicians, as well as seasonally themed entertainment, including Story Time with Santa. (Younger attendees also can mail their letters to the North Pole.) On the Skeet House Stage, Georgia Sea Turtle Center staff will entertain visitors with captivating programs featuring many of the fascinating animals on Jekyll Island.

In the designated Kids' Zone, children can run, jump and bounce to their heart's delight. The internationally acclaimed Frisbee dog show, "Disc-Connected K9s," will perform both days. Youngsters will even have the chance to draw in chalk on a real automobile ? consequence-free.

For additional, youthful fun, the Jekyll Island Authority and The Brunswick News have partnered to provide free snow slide and vintage carousel rides.

The festivities culminate Saturday evening with a dazzling fireworks display, a sprinkle of snow, and the highly anticipated lighting of the grand Jekyll Island Christmas Tree.

"This is Jekyll Island's invitation to the community to come together and ring in the holiday season in a unique way," said Meggan Hood, senior marketing director of the Jekyll Island Authority. "Though we were all disappointed that Hurricane Irma forced the cancellation of our annual Shrimp & Grits Festival, we were inspired by the outpouring of community support and are thrilled to be able to offer this wide-ranging, singular event.

"The Merry Shrimpmas celebration also provides an opportunity to support local businesses in the aftermath of the storm," she added.

The holiday cheer on Jekyll Island doesn't end with the Merry Shrimpmas festival. The celebration continues throughout the season. Visitors can take a spin on the scenic oceanfront Jekyll Island Skating Village, an outdoor synthetic rink that will remain open through Sunday, Jan. 7; cheer for or participate in the lighted "Holly Jolly Jekyll" golf cart parade Saturday, Dec. 16; or simply enjoy holiday decorations throughout the island. A full lineup of Holly Jolly Jekyll events can be found at jekyllisland.com/holly-jolly-jekyll.

"Merry Shrimpmas" Festival Hours and Admission Information

• Friday, Nov. 24, 2-8 p.m.
• Saturday, Nov. 25, 10 a.m.-8 p.m.

Merry Shrimpmas will take place in the Jekyll Island National Historic Landmark District. Admission to the festival is free. Costs will vary for individual attractions, food and refreshments. The Jekyll Island parking fee on Nov. 24-25 will be increased by $4 per daily or weekly pass. Annual parking passes are not affected.

For more information about Merry Shrimpmas, visit jekyllisland.com/shrimpmas.

Contact:  Mary Eva Tredway, Butin Integrated Communications, [email protected], 404.317.0731

SOURCE Jekyll Island Authority