Shrimp and Songs Rank Among Top Southeast Events for Fall 2009

Gulf Shores, AL, August 12, 2009 --(PR.com)-- The king of crustaceans partnered with toe-tapping tunes to reign as some of the top events in the southern United States. Released by the Southeastern Tourism Society (STS), the fall 2009 Top 20 events list includes the 38th Annual National Shrimp Festival presented by Zatarain's and the Frank Brown International Songwriter’s Festival.

Set for October 8th through 11th, the Shrimp Festival attracts hundreds of thousands to the main public beach in Gulf Shores. This annual event features something for every member of the family from an open-air marketplace and arts and crafts to sandcastle competitions and a children’s activity village. Sponsored by Zatarain’s, this non-stop party showcases shrimp cooked every way possible and non-stop live music and entertainment.

"Our Shrimp Festival is one of the signature events of the Alabama Gulf Coast and showcases the area's rich tradition, music, seafood and culture,” said Vicki Stillings, communications director for the Alabama Gulf Coast Area Chamber of Commerce, which produces this annual event.

For more information, visit www.nationalshrimpfestival.com.

Nearly a month later, November will be rocking as the nation’s top writers roll into this beachside community for the Songwriter’s Festival, which will be held November 12th through 22nd. Learn from the industry’s top gurus, or jam to the soul-pleasing sounds as numerous venues throughout the Alabama Gulf Coast host these talented individuals. For more information, a detailed schedule of events and venues, visit www.fbisf.com, which will be updated as soon as more information becomes available.

Created in 1983, the STS is a non-profit organization dedicated to the promotion and development of tourism in its 12 Southern member states of Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Kentucky, Virginia, West Virginia and Arkansas. The top 20 events program uses independent judges to evaluate nominated events throughout its member region.

For more information on the STS, visit www.southeasttourism.org.

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