Celebrate the Shrimp Join over 300,000 of your closest friends as they descend upon the Alabama Gulf Coast for a party unlike any other. From live music to savory seafood, the 37th Annual National Shrimp Festival presented by Zatarain's will fill the main public beach in Gulf Shores with four days of non-stop excitement at one of the nation's premier outdoor festivals. Scheduled for October 9-12, this event – which is free to the public – features something for every member of the family. Peruse through the wares of 300-plus vendors showcasing their fine art and art and crafts. After your legs and wallet have expired, kick back to the continuous tunes from the two musical stages that will feature non-stop entertainment ranging from blues and southern rock to county and R&B. Headlining on Friday night is county powerhouse Jo Dee Messina while Saturday night features veteran Southern Rockers Molly Hatchet. Be sure to refuel your body with fresh-from-the-gulf seafood that will satisfy the pickiest eater. Little ones love to play in the sand, and who can blame them? Stop by the Children's Activity Village, where games, crafts and interactive activities will entertain them for hours. Don't worry about finding a parking space with the shuttle service offered by the Baldwin Rural Area Transportation System. The shuttle costs $1.00 per passenger, per way and will run Thursday – Saturday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Check out the online schedule that includes detailed route information. New to the festival this year is a Chef's Challenge. Contestants from area restaurants will showcase their culinary skills and expertise in a September 19th contest. The winner will be announced during the Shrimp Festival. Also, the Shrimp Festival 10k Run is set Saturday morning at 7:30 a.m. The flat course is perfect for athletes of all skill levels. "This festival was begun in 1971 by group of locals who were trying to supplement the shoulder season," said Herb Malone, president/CEO of the Alabama Gulf Coast Convention and Visitors Bureau. "Over the years, it has blossomed into a hugely successful event. My hat goes off to the staff of the Alabama Gulf Coast Chamber of Commerce (who produces this event) and their dedicated team of volunteers." Accommodations - ranging from luxurious hotels and condominiums to charming beach houses - are still available by clicking here. For more information on this festival, please click here.

Also Flying into Town A feathered frenzy will soon fly into town with the upcoming Fall Bird Banding Session to be held October 4-17 at the Fort Morgan Historic Site in Gulf Shores. The Alabama Gulf Coast hosts thousands of winged travelers each year since the area serves as their last stop in the continental United States for these migratory birds heading to their winter homes in Central and South America. While the banding will began daily just before dawn and end around noon, the best hours are early morning. Guests are reminded to bring a lawn chair and insect repellant but to leave the pets at home. Although the public is welcome to this free event, they must pay the fort admission to gain access to banding station. Fort admission is $5.00 for adults, $4.00 for seniors, $3.00 for children 18 and under and free to those 6 and under. Interestingly, this event is organized by the Hummer/Bird Study Group, which holds a high number of all the required hummingbird banding permits in the world. Founded by Bob and Martha Sargent, this non-profit group gathers valuable information about the health, behavior and habitat of these migratory birds in addition to giving visitors the chance to touch, hold and release the birds. For more information about this group, click here.

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