ARANSAS PASS – Folks in this coastal city are busily making preparations for the 64th annual Shrimporee, coming June 8-10. The Aransas Pass Chamber of Commerce, along with numerous other entities, nonprofit organizations and volunteers are gearing up for what has the potential to be one of the most successful events of the season.

Each year, Shrimporee has been known to host more than 60,000 visitors in a single weekend. Many organizations depend on the festival to fund programs and scholarships for the entire year.

Shrimporee Grounds will open on Friday, June 8, at 6 p.m., remaining open until midnight. The Traditional Outhouse Race in downtown Aransas Pass will kick off Saturday, followed by the annual Shrimporee Parade at 10 a.m. with Shrimporee Grounds remaining open from 11 a.m. until midnight. On Sunday, the Shrimporee will run from noon until 8 p.m.

The Shrimp Eating Contest (main stage event), Men’s & Women’s Sexy Legs Contest, White Tigers, Kidz Korner with Identikid offered to children, face painting, old time photography, pony rides and variety of games and a carnival are some of the activities that will be on site. Entertainment for this year includes Kyle Park, No Justice, Pear Ratz, Ram Herrera, Seth Candan and Larry Joe Taylor.

The H-E-B Culinary Tent will put “Seafood On Center Stage,” as famous chefs from across the state prepare seafood dishes while entertaining and educating their audiences. The Texas Department of Agriculture also will participate in educating visitors regarding the importance of the Texas Brown Shrimp and its impact on our local economy.

The Family Stage will host a variety of fun, family entertainment while the Main Stage will have a great lineup of bands performing continuously from opening on Friday to closing on Sunday. Visitors can expect to enjoy a wide variety of music from up-and-coming as well as local artists.

When it comes to shopping and dining, at least 13 nonprofit groups and more than 110 arts and crafts vendors will be serving up a wide variety of delicious foods and showing their wares.

The Chamber of Commerce will again provide free shuttle buses from remote parking sites for Shrimporee guests. Admission prices are $5 for adults; kids 7-12 years old, military and seniors over 55 are $3; and children 6 and under are free. Three-day passes will be available for $10 ($8 early bird special). On Friday, the first 100 guest purchasing three-day bracelets will receive a complimentary tray of shrimp.