Students in the Gulf Shores area are tuning up their voices for a chance to earn scholarships during the 52nd Annual National Shrimp Festival. The Singing for Scholarships competition, a staple of the festival, returns this fall with prize money available for both performers and their schools. Organizers say the event gives young singers a chance to highlight their talents in front of a festival audience while also competing for financial awards. The contest has become one of the ways the long-running festival supports arts education.

The competition takes place on Saturday, October 11, during the festival in Gulf Shores. The deadline for students to enter is September 26, though the application period could close earlier if schools finish submitting their contestants. Festival officials are encouraging interested students to act quickly so they do not miss the opportunity to participate.

Scholarship awards this year include $1,000 to the first-place student and $500 for their school. Second place will receive $500 for the student and $500 for the school, while third place earns $250 for the student and $500 for the school. In total, more than $2,750 in awards will be distributed, helping offset both individual and classroom expenses tied to music education.

To enter, students are asked to work through their schools by speaking with teachers, guidance counselors, or band directors who can help guide the process. Organizers suggest that contestants focus on setting themselves apart, whether through song choice, stage presence, or vocal ability. Festival representatives said they want the event to feel welcoming to different styles of music while still being competitive.

Full festival details can be found at myshrimpfest.com. For questions about the singing competition, students or families can contact coordinator Allison Pryor at ShrimpFestivalSFS@gmail.com.