Almost a year ago was when the novel coronavirus virus first made its appearance in the Coastal Bend. With the start of the pandemic came a surge of event cancellations to keep the community healthy and safe.
Fast forward to today; COVID-19 vaccines are rolling out across the world and the virus’ transmission rates continue to decline. Despite the leaps of progress, health officials urge communities to continue to stay vigilant, keeping up with health protocols until herd immunity can be reached.
Because of this, many cities in the Coastal Bend have decided, with the guidance of local health officials, to once again cancel several local events for 2021. You can find a list of these postponed and cancelled events below.
Texas SandFest 2021 (Postponed)
Originally scheduled for April 23-25 in Port Aransas, the Texas SandFest 2021 will now take place October 15-17.
The Texas SandFest is the largest three-day sand sculpture competition in the U.S. According to their website, the festival draws tens of thousands of visitors from around the world each year to the Port Aransas beach.
Windfest 2021 (Canceled)
Windfest in Portland was scheduled to take place April 9-11, but has now been canceled after what the city says is based on the “current guidelines put out by the state”.
The event is an annual festival held in Portland with entertainment, food, rides and unique shopping.
Whooping Crane Festival 2021 (Canceled)
According to their website, the Whooping Crane Festival has taken place every year since 1996. The festival celebrates the “return of the cranes to their wintering habitat at the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge”.
While the festival will not happen this year, the cranes will still be making their way back to the wildlife refuge, and you can sign up for a birding tour during the whole month of February. You can register for a tour HERE.
OysterFest 2021 (Canceled)
The city of Fulton announcedthat Oysterfest 2021 would be postponed until March 3-6, 2022.
Oysterfest is sponsored by the Fulton Volunteer Fire Department every year, celebrating the shellfish found in the local surrounding waters. The festival features carnival rides, games, live music, vendors, and an oyster eating contest.
73rd Annual Shrimporee (Pending)
According to the festival’s Facebook page, the event is scheduled to take place June 11-13 in Aransas Pass, but the event is still pending approval. More updates may be given after Feb. 18.
The event is the largest shrimp festival in Texas, and includes a parade, live entertainment, a shrimp eating contest and much more.
