(This article was written by Lisa Campos and appeared in the February issue of Explore Harlingen Magazine.)
For 28 years, the Rotary Shrimp Fest of South Texas, Inc. (“Shrimp Fest”) has raised money for the Harlingen and San Benito communities with its signature shrimp dinner fundraiser. The event was postponed twice in 2020 and in 2021 due to concerns about the spread of Covid-19 but came back in 2022. This year’s event will be held on Saturday, February 17, 2024, at the Casa de Amistad, 1204 Fair Park Blvd., from 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm.
Rotary Club members and other volunteers serve shrimp boil plates with a pound of locally sourced Texas Gulf shrimp, corn on the cob, potatoes, and coleslaw. Bottled water and canned soft drinks are also included. Beer is available for purchase.
The silent auction, featuring donated goods and services from local businesses and community members, gives attendees an opportunity to bid on items and contribute further to the fundraiser. Attendees can also purchase raffle tickets for specialty prizes. Live entertainment will be provided by Jay Cantu from iHeartMedia.
For those who would rather take their shrimp plates to go, curbside delivery will be available.
Tickets are $35 and may be purchased from any Rotarian, at the door, or by messaging their Facebook page, www.facebook.com/rotaryshrimpfesthtx.
Rotary Shrimp Fest of South Texas, Inc. is organized by the Rotary Club of Harlingen and San Benito Rotary. Net funds of the Shrimp Fest are used for the betterment of the Harlingen and San Benito communities, including campaigns to assist with adoption awareness, literacy, assisting people in need of food, clothing and school supplies, veteran programs, Habitat for Humanity builds, college scholarships for high school students, funding for the Harlingen Dog Park, beautifying the city parks, and much more.
This annual fundraiser is made possible with the help of many generous sponsors and hundreds of selfless volunteers.
Any remaining shrimp will be sold frozen in five-pound boxes for $35 at Loaves & Fishes of the RGV, 514 S. “E” Street after the event.
You can reach the organizers for more information at www.rotaryshrimpfest.org.