Image by Flickr user atmtx

Update May 11: The event's still on for Sunday, but the parade of Shrimp Boats won't happen, however all the other fun is still on.

Update May 2: The festival has been rescheduled for Sunday, May 16.

While you kill time until then, I'll point you to The Post and Courier's report on the Lowcountry Shrimp Festival and Blessing of the Fleet in McClellanville on Saturday, May 1. The paper has a few photos and write-up.

Update April 25: Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but the Blessing of the Fleet and Seafood Festival has been cancelled due to today's severe weather.

A make-up date is expected to be discussed on Monday.

First reporting: Come out to Mount Pleasant's Memorial Waterfront Park this Sunday to give our local shrimp industry a little luck in the 2010 shrimp season at the 23rd Annual Blessing of the Fleet and Seafood Festival.

Get ready to eat some of the tastiest shrimp, hear great live music, and help local clergymen give the local shrimp vessels and crew prayers of safety and prosperity for the upcoming season.

Here's the line up for the festival this year:

11:30 a.m. - Festival opens with DJ Jim Bowers
12:45 p.m. - Blessing procession on pier
1:00 p.m. - Blessing of the fleet on the pier
1:45 p.m. - Live music by Permanent Vacation
3 - 6 p.m. - East Coast Party Band
4:20 p.m. - Shag and Shrimp Eating Contests
6:00 p.m. - Blessing Of The Fleet Festival ends

The annual blessing of the fleet has become a huge draw for local residents and is one of Mount Pleasant largest events attracting over 10,000 attendees each year.

This is an all ages event and admission is free.