MOUNT PLEASANT, SC (January 9, 2017) – The annual Town of Mount Pleasant Blessing of the Fleet and Seafood Festival beneficiary and craft show applications are now available at ExperienceMountPleasant.com.
Crafters and artists who conceive their own designs and execute original finished products are invited to apply to participate in the Arts & Crafts Show. Applicants are juried simultaneously with the best entries in each category selected on a limited basis to offer a diverse and balanced show. The application deadline is February 28.
Nonprofits that serve the Mount Pleasant community and wish to participate in the festival are encouraged to apply before the application deadline on January 25. The beneficiary will be announced on February 15.
Since its inception 30 years ago as a way for local shrimpers and fishermen to thank their supporters and give back to the community that supports them, the Town of Mount Pleasant has chosen local 501(c)(3) nonprofit beneficiaries to receive the net proceeds from the event.
The proceeds from the festival, which is free for the public to attend, are largely dependent upon sponsorship revenue and event-day memorabilia sales. The selected beneficiary is required to recruit and organize a minimum of 50 volunteers who contribute significantly to the festival’s success.
“Our nonprofit partners are essential to a successful Blessing festival,” said Special Events Manager Nicole Harvey. “The town proudly carries on the Magwood family’s tradition of giving festival proceeds to nonprofits that support the needs of our town.”
The Blessing of the Fleet & Seafood Festival aims to promote local fishermen and the Town's seafood heritage, educate the public on the importance of supporting local fishermen and buying wild-caught and local seafood, and to give back to the community by donating proceeds to a nonprofit that supports its residents.
The last Sunday of every April, local ministers bless the local fleet for a safe and bountiful season ahead. Since 2013, each Shem Creek shrimping or fishing boat owner who registers and participates in the blessing boat parade receives $500.
For more information, visit ExperienceMountPleasant.com or facebook.com/ExperienceMP.
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