For the last 50 years, save for two during the pandemic, spring has meant Shrimp Fest in Gulf Shores.

Preparations for the 50^th edition of the Annual National Shrimp Festival are in full swing, which include organizers seeking vendors, artists and entertainment acts for the first time in three years.

The festival, beloved by locals and vacationers alike, took a two-year hiatus during the COVID-19 pandemic, returning to record crowds in October 2022 with applicants who were originally tapped for the canceled 2020 event. According to the Coastal Alabama Business Chamber, which organizes the festival it deems Alabama’s original beach party, new to 2023 is a chance for vendors to submit applications electronically via Eventeny.

“The process has been open for a little over a month now, and we’ve been thrilled with the response so far,” said Steve Jones, VP of special events for the Coastal Alabama Business Chamber. “When we first opened applications, I had about 15 sitting in my inbox within the first hour. and they’ve only grown from there.”

Plans for the milestone 50^th rendition, scheduled for Oct 12-15 include the introduction of new national sponsors with on-site activities to enhance the attendee experience, a special edition poster designed by a past poster contest winner and an online video series coming this summer featuring stories and memories told by residents, committee members and past festival chairpeople.

According to the Chamber, attendees can still expect a “great showcase of food, music and art that has been at the heart of the festival since its inception in 1971.”

Interested vendors, artists and entertainment acts can apply and read more details at www.myshrimpfest.com/23applications.