Have the shrimp your way at the 58th annual Shrimp Festival

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FORT MYERS BEACH, Fla.- The Fort Myers Beach Lion’s Club is gearing up for the 58th annual Shrimp Festival taking place Saturday.

“I’m going to go, the shrimp looks delicious!” said Chad Randol. “Chunky, juicy, I’m going to eat as much as I can.”

All of the money raised by the Lion’s Club benefits kids and adults suffering from eyesight issues.

“We need the money to help,” said Ted Clifton, Shrimp Fest Expo chairperson. “In order to just do a simple eye screening, it’s over $100.”

More than 22,000 people are expected to attend the event which comes at a convenient time for local businesses dealing with the downside of water quality issues, construction and seasonal traffic.

“Businesses are excited about it because it brings people walking and getting people out of their cars is definitely a benefit,” Clifton said.

Crews working on the Estero Boulevard project even got the road ready so the Shrimp Fest parade could stay on its normal route.

“We do have contractors that will be on hand tomorrow, watching and making sure people are in the areas they need to be and making sure they’re safe,” said Kaye Molnar, spokesperson for the Estero Boulevard project. “I understand they are going to be handing out some candy to the kids.”

Most of the construction equipment has been cleared out of the way but officials are reminding everyone to not sit on any of the barriers or barrier walls to watch the parade.

If you plan on heading to the Shrimp Fest on Saturday, keep in mind the Matanzas Pass Bridge will be closed from 9 to noon for the Shrimp Fest parade.

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