Since 2001, the Golconda Shrimp Festival has drawn thousands to the small southern Illinois community to enjoy freshwater shrimp and much more. Always held the third Saturday in September, the event features a shrimp cook-off, live music, helicopter rides and barbecue. The festival draws motorcycle riders biking through the Shawnee National Forest area, often taking advantage of what may be the last nice weather weekend of the year. Boaters can also access the festival by way of Golconda’s marina. The freshwater shrimp served at the festival must be grown domestically. Pope County Farm Bureau member Grover Webb helped launch the event the year after he began raising prawns, and Tanglefoot Ranch continues to be a major supplier for the festival.
For more information on this year’s festival, visit mainstreetgolconda.org/events/shrimp-festival.
Pls keep me updated on any 2020 festivals planned.
Thank you!