The Kiwanis Club of Williamsburg is prepping for its largest annual fundraiser, the Shrimp Feast. Kiwanis co-chair Mike Rock said the organization expects 2,000 attendees at the Sept. 9 event, and the money raised goes back into the community.
“All of the money that we raise funds local charities,” Rock said. Kiwanis picks three “headliners” to benefit; this year’s recipients include the Avalon Center, Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Greater Virginia Peninsula and the United Way of Greater Williamsburg’s Home for Good program. Proceeds also help Kiwanis youth programs.
The event emphasizes people coming together for the greater good.
“They’re helping the community by attending the event,” Rock said.
But it can be a good time simultaneously. The first feast kicked off 38 years ago and hasn’t missed a year since. The theme was an obvious one, beautiful in its simplicity.
“A lot of people like shrimp,” Rock said. Other food offerings include hot dogs, hush puppies, cole slaw, beverages and the like. The Virginia Beer Company will return for its second feast appearance, serving two of its most popular brews, Saving Daylight and Free Verse.
A ticket ensures all-you-can-eat-and-drink access to the above, with wine also available for purchase.
The Hampton Roads blues rockers of the Billy Joe Trio will provide live music.The feast is also kid-friendly, with face painting alongside games such as cornhole and basketball.
Rock said VIP offerings sold out two weeks earlier than ever before, indicating that the event remain significant within the community. Through the feast, the club expects to raise more than $40,000.
“It’s a huge event,” he said. “This is gearing up to be one of the biggest shrimp feasts that we’ve ever had.”
Want to go?
The Kiwanis Shrimp Feast cooks up from 4-7 p.m Sept. 9 at the Jamestown 4-H Education Center, 3751 4-H Club Road, rain or shine. Tickets are $35 in advance or $40 at the gate for adults, $15 for kids 6-12 and free for those younger than 6. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit williamsburgkiwanis.org.
Birkenmeyer can be reached by phone at 757-790-3029.
