Special Gulf Shores EventsSpecial Gulf Shores events can add to the enjoyment of your beach vacation. Some of them span several days, giving the visitor options to pick the days that are best for the family. The most popular ones are free admission.There are several reasons to research special events that are scheduled near your vacation time. The big reason is that it makes sense to schedule a vacation when there is more in town to do, especially free things. More than a few have drove into town and soon heard, "You should have been here last week for the ......." If you are a spontaneous sort, like I can be at times, you might just cruise into town, thinking Octobers are slow on the beach. After arriving in town you might find that you have unknowingly scheduled your vacation during the National Shrimp Festival. You could probably find a place to stay, but it might not be where you would rather be. And as hard as it is for those who plan their vacation time around the Shrimp Festival, there are those who had rather not come when the roads are busy and there is a wait time at the restaurants. October 2010 will mark the 39th year for the Shrimp Festival. It grows more popular each year and is certainly the biggest Gulf Shores event of the year. A newer event that is drawing larger crowds each year is "Thunder on the Gulf." Imagine NASCAR on the water. These powerboats are loud and fast. You can see the boats up-close and meet the drivers during specially scheduled times. This makes it easier to decide who to cheer for. Mardi Gras is a big event each February. Many people who don't visit the beach during this time have no idea how popular the parades are, and not just with visitors - locals love Mardi Gras. Mardi Gras in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach is not the multi-day spectacle of "Thunder on the Gulf" and the Shrimp Festival, but it's a lot of fun. Everybody is welcome to toss a dead mullet from Florida to Alabama at the Annual Interstate Mullet Toss. The mullet toss is the high point of three days of festivities each April at the Flora-Bama. The world famous Blue Angels schedule two formal air shows each year, along with many practice flights where spectators are welcome. The shows take place over Pensacola Beach, and the best place to view the practice flights is at the museum. If you are in town over the Fourth of July holiday weekend, you can choose between three fireworks shows on the island. The first two Hangout Music Festivals at the main public beach in Gulf Shores were a huge success. Read about the most recent Hangout Festival.
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