For generations of Coast families, Fourth of July weekend has meant one thing: Crab Fest. What started as a small church fair has become one of Bay St. Louis' premier Fourth of July traditions. - By Heather Dubuisson  This Big Buzz is supported by our Partners:
By 1985, the Our Lady of the Gulf church fair had grown too large for the church to manage, so brothers Bill and Joe Monti stepped in with a vision that would eventually become the Crab Fest we know and love today. Knowing that the Fourth of July was a time for family and celebration, they transformed the annual fair into one of the Coast's signature events. At the time space was definitely a factor, so the Montis contacted Pete Fountain's daughter, Laura Piazza, and arranged to hold the newly coined Crab Fest on the grounds of Peter's Wieners (what is now the Chapel Hill neighborhood).  For four(ish) years, Crab Fest was held off-property but quickly outgrew its location, returning it to the church grounds. The only building on the property at the time was the old Saint Joseph's Academy laundry room, so the brothers built a makeshift pavilion with poles and tarps. It's a good thing they did.  The first year back on church property, it poured. Jim fondly remembers running out with broom poles to push the water off the tarps before they collapsed under the weight of ponding water. But neither rain nor heat could put a damper on this event. What started as a simple church fair has progressed into “some people's Disney World.” With great food, great music, and unlimited rides, this is an event that some families look forward to, year after year. One thing the organizers have always valued is affordability. Not everyone can afford expensive vacations, so they wanted to create an event every family could enjoy. From $6 burgers to $30 unlimited ride bands, everything is priced with families in mind.  Crab fest truly is a family affair. The food booths are run by parish families, and even Mayor Favre gets in on the cooking—his gumbo is legendary. Chris and Carey Trapani serve BBQ shrimp, Scott and Alisha Greenway prepare the Stuffed Crab Potato, Brian ”Hooty” Adam handles the fried seafood, Sweet Escapes brings the sno-balls, and the longtime teams of the Seals and Brelands keep the kitchen running. There are so many families involved that we can't list them all here, but know that every booth at the event is staffed by a local family with decades-long ties. Everything is homemade, home cooked, and local.  Even the entertainment has a hometown feel. Current chairman Jimmy Osborn wanted to showcase the incredible local talent we have right here on the Coast. In celebration of America's 250th anniversary, the military band opens the festivities, followed by the children's talent show, Assumed Risk Band, and Kings of Neon. Friday features the Dave Mayley Band, Sons of a Beach, and the Ryan Foret Band. Saturday closes the festival with the Shea Michael's Band, DJ Soul Shine Band, and the Ross Grisham Band.  The numbers tell the story. The inaugural Crab Fest in 1985 was estimated to draw nearly 20,000 visitors while serving more than 3,000 pounds of shrimp and 6,000 pounds of crab. This year, volunteers will prepare more than 5,000 pounds of shrimp and 12,000 pounds of crab while expecting to welcome an estimated 60,000 to 70,000 visitors over the three-day festival. "Some people come in, get food, and walk right back out. We're the caterer for their Fourth of July activities," Jimmy said.  Whether you come for the music, the food, the rides, or simply the community, you'll find a family-friendly event built on faith, fellowship, and fun. "We really want people to know that they are invited to Mass as well," Jimmy said.  Vigil Mass will be celebrated at 5 p.m. on Saturday, with the festival ending afterward to prepare for Sunday's schedule. Traditional masses are held at 8 a.m., 10:30 a.m., and 5 p.m., with Latin mass at 12:30 p.m. Everyone is welcome.  Helpful Tips for a Happy Crab Fest
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