Gulf Shores, AL – Organizers of the National Shrimp Festival at Gulf Shores are expressing optimism after big crowds turned out for the event's opening day.
Don McPherson, special events coordinator for the Alabama Gulf Coast Chamber of Commerce, says crowds were heavy on Thursday, even before the gates opened at 10 a.m.
He says some vendors were sending out for more supplies by noon.
One vendor who was using the event to improve the public outlook on the coast was the Alabama Organized Seafood Association, which had a booth selling fried shrimp, crab claws and other delicacies.
Festival chairman Ron Kutter says a good turnout would provide a needed boost for the local economy.
The festival continues through Sunday at the Gulf Shores Public Beach at the south end of Ala. 59.
(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)