GAY FISH COMPANY TO HOST INAUGURAL BLESSING OF THE FLEET CEREMONY, PUBLIC INVITED
Beaufort, SC – The well-known Gay Fish Company is holding its inaugural Blessing of the Fleet Ceremony on April 27th, 2024. The event is geared towards honoring commercial fishermen and raising awareness about the fishing industry. The public is welcome to join this memorable event.
A Family Business Steeped in Tradition
Since 1948, the Gay Fish Company has made a name for itself in Beaufort, South Carolina. This family-owned business on St. Helena Island has been ceaselessly working in the sectors of fishing, shrimping, and processing for the past 76 years. They have managed to cater to countless customers, not only locally but also from beyond the country’s borders.
The company has announced that due to the state of their dock, this event will be exclusively for currently docked commercial fishermen and invitees from private entities. However, onlookers and spectators are welcome to participate from a designated seating area, with light refreshments on offer.
A Legacy of Seafood Excellence
The Gay Fish Company has established its presence on Sea Island Parkway and is most recognized for its picturesque boat docks, store, and its trademark dish – the Frogmore Stew. The family’s descendants coined this name in the 1960’s for the popular Southern dish comprising shrimp, corn, sausage, and potatoes – now beloved as a staple delicacy in these parts.
They also run and operate the award-winning Shrimp Shack restaurant, situated just across the highway from their docks. Their shrimp are a hit not just among locals but even garnered attention from Hollywood. Paramount Pictures procured their shrimp for the iconic film, Forrest Gump.
Environmental Stewardship
Aside from its commercial success, the Gay Fish Company also realizes the importance of nature conservation and sustainability. Boasting the cleanest beaches in the U.S., Beaufort SC prioritizes its ecological practices. The family believes that their Blessing of the Fleet ceremony is a respectful way to kick off the fishing season and honor their ancestors.
An Inaugural Event Promising Future Traditions
The Blessing of the Fleet ceremony by the Gay Fish Company will take place at their dock and store, located at 1948 Sea Island Parkway on St. Helena Island. Attendees can indulge in exploring Beaufort’s culinary landscape, historical attractions, and farmers’ markets. The ceremony will start at 10 am on April 27th, 2024.
This inaugural event is not only fitting for a business so closely tied to Beaufort’s seafood heritage but also serves as an auspicious gesture for the upcoming commercial fishing season. The public’s presence will contribute to elevating awareness about the importance and challenges of the fishing industry.
Author: STAFF HERE HILTON HEAD
The HILTON HEAD STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHiltonHead.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Hilton Head Island, Beaufort County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the RBC Heritage golf tournament, Hilton Head Island Wine & Food Festival, and the Gullah Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce and Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, plus leading businesses in tourism and hospitality that power the local economy such as Sea Pines Resort and Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
