Live music, steamy shrimp and a packed Courthouse Green made for a silver anniversary to remember
By Miles Layton
EDENTON – The shrimp was steamy, the beverages were cold, and the dance floor never sat empty Friday evening as hundreds of locals and out-of-town visitors filled the Historic Chowan County Courthouse Green for the 25th annual Shrimp By the Bay.
The crowd read like a who’s who of Edenton. A recent Aces’ sports announcer and a top-notch Mayor, Hackney High, was among those enjoying the evening and praised the event, calling it one of his favorites on the town’s calendar. Edenton-Chowan Schools Superintendent Tammi Ward traded her usual role for an apron, joining the volunteers serving up shrimp. Gold star goes to Ward!
Hosted by the Edenton-Chowan Chamber of Commerce, the fundraiser drew guests who lined up for a traditional meal of shrimp and fish, then moved to the music under the big tent, where a live band kept the crowd on its feet well into the night.
“It’s just a fun night,” said Susan Creed, the chamber’s executive director. “We have people that come from out of town for the event, and lots and lots of locals.”
Asked about her favorite part, Creed didn’t hesitate. “Just seeing the community come out and have a good time,” she said.
Creed, who has run the event for five years, took over as it marked its 20th anniversary. Building on that strong foundation, Creed added more and more over the past five years — more music, bands, sponsors and a change of venue — with no signs of slowing down. Good job!
Because I was working on a tight deadline, I couldn’t stop to eat or chat much. However, the shrimp looked very tasty — this scene from Forrest Gump flashed through my head as I walked through the serving line — so I bought a bag of shrimp on Saturday morning at Food Lion. Saw a lot of friendly, familiar faces in the crowd embracing Edenton!
Last note — for many in Friday’s crowd, it was less a fundraiser than an annual reunion, one that happens to come with a plate of shrimp. For more about this event, see the Social Light.
Gallery — click to enlarge
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