The Shrimporee Festival in Aransas Pass boosts local community programs through ticket, t-shirt, and shrimp sales.
ARANSAS PASS, Texas — The Shrimporee Festival is supporting local shrimpers this weekend in Aransas Pass.
Now in its 77th year, Shrimporee is more than a tradition.
Aransas Pass Chamber of Commerce Public Relations Roland Rodriguez calls it a boost for the community.
“We get anywhere from 30,000 to 60,000 people walk through the gates in those three days,” Rodriguez said. “So, every t-shirt, ticket, shrimp dish that we sell makes a difference because the proceeds from the Shrimporee go right back into the community for scholarships, local programs and events like the Shrimporee to help continue to make Aransas Pass thrive.”
Senate Bill 823 took effect last month and with-it Rodriguez said most of the shrimp served at the festival comes fresh, directly from the Gulf.
“We have Captain Joe’s, they’re famous here in Aransas Pass, and he goes out there and does his daily trip out into the Gulf, and he brings back the biggest and the best shrimp ever,” Rodriguez said. “I think it allows the customers to understand it or know what they’re eating and being transparent is what we’re all about here in Aransas Pass.”
Rodriguez explained while local shrimp is being used, nonprofits aren’t required to serve it.
“To figure out what works best for them, you go, you know, because right now everything is expensive and especially for organizations that don’t have deep pockets,” Rodriguez said.
Aransas Pass local Roger Masterson supports his church’s Knights of Columbus who are raising money for those in need. They’ll be serving authentic Louisiana gumbo with local shrimp.Â
“Well, each pot is going to have 25 pounds of shrimp. We love the shrimp,” Masterson said.
The longtime festival continuing its cherished tradition of bringing people together, serving up good food, and now a better understanding of where it comes from.
“This event started small to honor the shrimpers who went out, out and did their thing, and then that’s why it became the shrimping capital of the world in the 1930s. And every year it’s gotten bigger and better. So, our goal is to continue that tradition,” Rodriguez said.
The Shrimporee Festival begins tonight and will run through Sunday. For the full schedule, visit their website here.Â