GOLCONDA - Due to the current situation with COVID-19, the Golconda Shrimp Festival board of directors has voted to cancel this year’s 20th edition of the event scheduled for September 19th.

The celebration of the harvest of locally grown freshwater shrimp draws crowds of more than 5,000 people for shrimp dishes and live music in the historic Ohio River town.
 
“We put off this difficult decision off as long as possible,” said Nathan Ryder of Mainstreet Golconda, the non-profit who relies on the event as their primary fundraiser for the year.

The festival has a history of persevering through difficult events. The very first festival in 2001 was scheduled and then 9/11 occurred. It ended up being an opportunity for the community to come together and return to some normalcy. 

“We were hoping the situation with COVID-19 was going to be similar, that infection numbers would be declining, and we could celebrate a return to normal. Unfortunately, we just don’t see that as being a safe opportunity this fall,” Ryder said. 

The festival board is planning to sell a commemorative t-shirt of this year’s non-event as a fundraiser. 

In addition, continued sponsorships and/or donations are tax deductible and will help Mainstreet continue their community outreach activities in Pope County. 

For more info visit: www.mainstreetgolconda.org