Celebrate Shrimp Today at Big Shrimp'n

Plenty of local restaurants claim to have the best seafood around, but a town-sponsored competition aims to settle the argument — at least for this year while also benefiting the men and women who harvest the region's catch.

Mount Pleasant’s first official shrimp competition, Big Shrimp’n, will be held from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Nov. 3 at Alhambra Hall, 131 Middle Street in the Old Village.

“Every year people come to the Blessing of the Fleet and want to know where all the local shrimp is,” said Town of Mount Pleasant Special Events Planner Nicole Harvey. “Big Shrimp’n will provide an opportunity to enjoy the season’s catch while giving local restaurants a chance to showcase their best shrimp dishes.”

Guests will sample small portions of local shrimp and cast their votes at the end of the evening for their favorite dish. Two awards will be announced once all votes are in: Best Shrimp Dish, a critics choice award; and Best Shrimp Dish: the people’s choice, decided through participant's voting. The winning restaurants will be awarded plaques to hang in their restaurants.

Big Shrimp’n will be fun but yet competitive! Attendees will have the chance to get out and enjoy the crisp weather while enjoying soul-satisfying samples of shrimp dishes from East Cooper restaurants along with beverages and live music by The David Higgins Band and Southwood.

The Town of Mount Pleasant and A Snappy Event have chosen to give a portion of the proceeds from the culinary event to help local charities. The Big Shrimp’n promotes and Local restaurants are joining together with the Town of Mount Pleasant to put on the first-ever Big Shrimp’n supports local restaurants, cuisine culture, local economy, and community charities. The two local nonprofits that will benefit fare South Carolina Shrimper’s Association and East Cooper Community Outreach.

Admission is free. Shrimp samples go for $1 and beverages range from $2 to $5. Tickets available online and at the door.