City of Beaufort Denies Chamber 24th Shrimp Festival

The Beaufort Chamber of Commerce was unanimously denied the opportunity the host the 24th annual Shrimp Festival at July 10 City Council meeting. The Beaufort Chamber of Commerce originated the festival in 1995 and has hosted many times over the last quarter century. The city refused the request to use the park after already tabling the proposition in 2017. The Chamber of Commerce claims that while the motion was tabled the City Council reached to the state for the festival trademark while making exceptional demands for the Chamber to keep hosting it. This comes after the Chamber of Commerce acquired Main Street Beaufort, the organization that puts on several of the city's largest events. Following this acquisition the Chamber presented a budget asking for 100,000 more than in years past, much to the chagrin of the City. The event usually draws a large crowd of up 10,000 people, locals and tourists alike who in turn extend their patronage to local businesses. Beaufort's shrimp festival has become an accoladed and venerable tradition throughout the Southeast. There is no doubt that the festival would not exist in the capacity it does today without the Beaufort Chamber of Commerce or the City. The Chamber of Commerce issued a statement the day after the vote describing the whole situation as disappointing. Cliff Mrkvicka, chairman of board, also raises questions in the Chamber of Commerce's release. Will the City of Beaufort continue to strong arm or extort its way into all traditional Beaufort events in order to increase revenues? While raising these questions the Chamber makes no mention as to its demands for a greater budget. In response members of the City Council have stated that they have not sought after trademarks and that an agreement had been reached in previous weeks, with the Chamber and attorneys, that was not honored in writing after several requests. Assurances have been made by city council members that Beaufort traditions will continue uninterrupted as always. This may serve to give some piece of mind to the populace as the City and Chamber engage in squabbles over downtown events. The Beaufortonian will update as we learn more.