Crafts, concerts and a shrimp cookoff are in store Saturday, Aug. 18, when the first Seafood Music Fest launches in Cleveland, Tennessee.
The event will be held from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on the Cleveland Greenway, 755 Raider Drive. It's put on by Target Media Marketing, which also produces the BBQ, Blues and Bluegrass festivals in Cleveland and Dalton, Georgia.
Tina Wilkins, event organizer with Target Marketing Media, says there will be 10 food vendors on the greenway, five of them seafood chefs who will participate in a shrimp cookoff. The winner will be by judge's decision only, there will not be a People's Choice winner.
"The competitors will each be provided a few pounds of shrimp to feed a half-dozen judges. They will provide five or six sample shrimp to each judge. They can fix the shrimp any way they want, but they have to do it there at the event," says Wilkins.
Judging will be held at 2 p.m., with the winner announced at 4 o'clock, she says.
Fifty arts and crafts vendors have been booked for this inaugural festival - quite a respectable showing for a new event. Wilkins says there will be a 50/50 raffle. Tickets are $2 apiece or three for $5.
There will be a small children's area with bounce house and bungee jump, in addition to the playground located on the greenway. Legacy Martial Arts of Cleveland will present demonstrations at 11 a.m. and 3:45 p.m.
Four bands have been scheduled throughout the afternoon. Blue Matter kicks off the music at noon. Clayton Q and the Real Deal from Nashville plays at 2 p.m., followed by DL Yancey and Band at 3:45 p.m. AmeriCalypso Band takes the stage at 5:30 p.m. to close out the event.
Wilkins suggests bringing a folding chair for seating to listen to the bands.
Door prizes will be given away throughout the day.
The event will be held rain or shine. Admission is $2.
For more information: 423-486-7597.