Shrimporee
Aransas Pass, Texas

When: early June

Where: Downtown Aransas Pass

In the words of Benjamin "Bubba" Blue in the Academy Award-winning movie Forrest Gump, "shrimp is the fruit of the sea," and just like Forrest Gump's lovable friend you, too, will be crazy about crustaceans after attending Aransas Pass's annual ode to the ocean's gifts.

A Texas tradition since 1948, the fishing community known as "salt water heaven" welcomes over 55,000 visitors to a three-day, seafood-themed festival where weekend grill masters throw another shrimp on the barbie during the shrimp cook-off and champion chefs show off their skills during cooking demonstrations.

Both the young and the young at heart will enjoy the carnival rides and the climbing wall, while tiny tykes can cuddle cute critters at the petting zoo or try their luck at the kid fish tank.

A variety of Tejano and country acts add that special ingredient to the Gulf coast gala.

For more information:

• visit www.aransaspass.org