Ready for tasty shrimp, vibrant art and more? The countdown to the Shrimp Festival has begun with the unveiling of this year's poster artist.

Read on to get to know more about Red Owen.

Owen, a 72-year-old artist and U.S. Army veteran from Ragley, Louisiana, has been named the winner of the 51st Annual National Shrimp Festival poster contest. The festival committee made the announcement on Wednesday, July 31, following a vote.

Nearly 100 volunteers make up the committee, working year-round to bring the festival to life. This spring, they called for artists to submit their work, seeking a design that captured the spirit of the festival's beachside setting, shrimp, art and music. Owen's submission was selected as the standout entry.

"I've been doing this for 40 years; I've entered many poster contests, and I've lost a lot more of them than I have won," Owen, a seasoned graphic and t-shirt artist, said in a statement. This contest marked his first attempt at the Shrimp Festival's competition.

According to Owen, his poster design drew inspiration from musician Jimmy Buffett. "It's an idea I've had for a while. I'm proud of it and think it's the best work I've done."

Growing up in the New Orleans area, Owen humorously recounted his younger days spent in the French Quarter, where he would often listen to Buffett busking. "I'll never forget he would come down on the weekends in an old Ford," Owen said.

In addition to his artwork being featured prominently in the festival's promotional materials, Owen will receive a $1,000 cash prize and attend the festival for the first time, where he will sign posters. Look for more information to be released soon.

The poster will go on sale at 10 a.m. on Oct. 10, the festival's opening day. Collectors will be especially interested in pre-signed copies, which will be limited to 100 and individually numbered and signed by Owen. The design will also appear on the official Shrimp Festival t-shirt and other merchandise.

The event will be celebrating its 51st festival October 10 through 13. Stay tuned to www.myshrimpfest.com for more details on the festival's events, vendors and music lineup as summer draws to a close.