Gulf Shores, Ala. – (OBA) – In the southern part of the country, almost everyone knows of the National Shrimp Festival and many have visited the area to attend the multi-day event. Now the publication USA Today is ranking the most popular specialty food events in the USA and your VOTE could make the difference.

During the month of February, USA Today is asking its readership to select the "Best Specialty Food Festival" for its annual Readers' Choice Award.

Just to be nominated can be considered an honor, but to win would provide the Coastal Alabama Business Chamber credence to their cherished event. The National Shrimp Festival began in the '70s and is credited for attracting millions of visitors over its 50+ years in existence.

Some of the competitors in the category include:

• 
  Picklesburgh - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
• Rhode Island Seafood Festival - Providence, Rhode Island
• Cheese Curd Festival - Ellsworth, Wisconsin
• Sebring Soda Festival - Sebring, Florida
• National Buffalo Wing Festival - Buffalo, New York
• Delta Hot Tamale Festival - Greenville, Mississippi
• Astoria Warrenton Crab, Seafood & Wine Festival - Astoria, Oregon
• Breaux Bridge Crawfish Festival - Breaux Bridge, Louisiana
• National Apple Harvest Festival - Biglerville, Pennsylvania
• Austin Chronicle Hot Sauce Festival - Austin, Texas

TO VOTE CLICK HERE (You Can Vote Once A Day)

The Annual National Shrimp Festival in Gulf Shores, Alabama began in 1971 as a way to extend the tourist season. The festival is a tradition that features seafood, live music, art, and more. Bill Prime, the director of the Gulf Shores Tourist Association, pitched the idea of a Shrimp Festival after a local real estate agent discussed the annual Blessing of the Fleet. 

The inaugural festival in 1971 drew a crowd of approximately 500 to 1,500 attendees.