Love Shrimp? Head To Gulf Shores!

For 38 years, Gulf Shores has hosted one of the South's largest festivals. The National Shrimp Festival opens Thursday. Hundreds of vendors from across the U-S are setting up their booths and tents, hoping visitors will be in the mood to eat, shop and spend money.

"It's been pretty tight," says Florida vendor Steve Whitfield. "We're treading water, but we're surviving, it'll get better, for every bottom, there's a top."

The economy has affected many vendors who make a living traveling the festival circuit. Many are offering deep discounts and specials.

"We've got plenty of room to maneuver on prices, so I don't mind helping people out in this bad economy," says Whitfield.

"I have a good price point," says South Carolina vendor Jo Stephens. "I have a lot of items under 20 dollars."

The National Shrimp Festival opens at 10am Thursday and runs through Sunday. Admission is free. Festival organizers say 300-thousand people could attend this year's event, pumping 30 million dollars into the local economy.