Shrimp Festival Contests – 2026
Get ready for a weekend of spirited competition and fun at the Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival! Whether you’re a pirate at heart, a shrimp aficionado, or just love a good challenge, we’ve got a contest for you.
Saturday Events
Best Dressed Pirate Contests Sponsored by Story and Song Center for Arts and Culture Foundation
- Pirates In Training and Little Pirates (Ages 0–5 and 6–11)
- Registration: 9:15 to 9:45 a.m. | Contest: 10 a.m.
- Location: Kids Fun Zone Stage (Waterfront Park on Front Street)
- Best Dressed Jr. Pirate (Ages 12–17)
- Sponsored by Joe Pocher
- Registration: 10:15 to 10:45 a.m. | Contest: 11 a.m.
- Location: Kids Fun Zone Stage (Waterfront Park on Front Street)
- Best Dressed Adult Pirate* (Ages 18+)
- Sponsored by Cloud Accounting & Consulting, Inc.
- Registration: 1:45 to 2:15 p.m. | Contest: 2:30 p.m.
- Location: Pirate Ship Stage (Next to Riverfront Stage)
*Note: Apparel must be “G-Rated.” Prizes for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place.
57th Topsy Smith Memorial Beard Contest Sponsored by Dawn A Lunt, Inc.
- Registration: 11:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.
- Contest: 12:30 p.m.
- Location: Pirate Ship Stage (Next to Riverfront Stage)
Shrimp Eating Contest Sponsored by H&S Shrimp Company
- Registration: 3:15 to 3:45 p.m. | Contest: 4:30 p.m.
- Location: Riverfront Stage
- Note: Must be 18+. Contestants randomly selected from registrations at 4 p.m.
Sunday Events
Best Decorated Shrimp Boat Contest and Blessing of the Fleet Presented by The City of Fernandina Beach
- Time: 1:15 p.m.
- Location: Fernandina Harbor Marina on the Amelia River
Ice Cream Eating Contest Sponsored by DeNucci’s Ice Cream Shop
- Registration: 2 to 2:30 p.m. | Contest: 3 p.m.
- Location: Pirate Ship Stage (Next to Riverfront Stage)
- Note: Categories for ages 6–11, 12–17, and 18+. Six contestants per group will be randomly selected 20 minutes prior to start.