All you can eat. All you can drink. All for a cause.
The Kiwanis Club of Williamsburg’s 37th annual Shrimp Feast presents pounds of shrimp and plenty of beer in an effort to raise funds for organizations benefiting area youths.
“It’s the largest fundraiser of the year for us,” said Geoff Suter, club president.
Last year, the event raised more than $40,000, and Suter hopes to exceed that number, as well as last year’s attendance of 1,800 people.
“We’re hoping to reach 2,000 this year,” he said.
Suter estimated nearly 1,600 pounds of shrimp will be prepared during the three-hour event. Believe it or not, there’s more to eat than shrimp: hush puppies, hot dogs, baked beans and coleslaw.
Virginia Beer Company joins the event this year, offering the choice of two craft brews.
Proceeds benefit Kiwanis “headliners,” organizations the club fundraises for on a one-year basis and that align with the club’s focus on serving children.
This year’s headliners are Dream Catchers therapeutic riding center, Avalon Center for women and children, Bacon Street Youth and Family Services and United Way’s Home for Good program.
Suter said last year’s headliners, Lackey Clinic and Big Brother, Big Sisters, each received checks for more than $15,000.
And while food is the headliner of the Shrimp Feast, there’s plenty to do between eating, including live music from The Hark, face painting, a bounce house, corn hole, raffles and nearly a dozen varied vendors.
“It’s just kind of a lazy three-hour afternoon out there along the river,” Suter said.
Bridges can be reached by phone at 757-345-2342.
Want to go?
When: 4-7 p.m., Sept. 10
Where: Jamestown 4-H Educational Center, 3751 4-H Club Road
Tickets: $30/advance, $35/doors, $15/children
Tickets available online at williamsburgkiwanis.org, from Suter Printing at 4399 Ironbound Road or from a Kiwanis member.
