FERNANDINA BEACH, Fla. -- The beautiful weather forecast for this weekend is reason enough to head to Amelia Island to enjoy a long-running tradition -- the Fernandina Beach Shrimp Festival.

This year is the 46th year of the popular festival. The theme: Home Grown Shrimp, the Pick of the Litter.

Thousands of people take part in the shrimp festival each year. Organizers said they bring in a lot of money not only to the economy, but also to local charities.

"It's a great value for people to come up to Amelia Island for the shrimp festival. Most of the activities are free. The food at the food booths is all done by not-for-profit organizations so they keep their budget low. It's a very affordable way to have a great weekend and a family outing," said Gil Langley, of the Amelia Island Visitors Bureau.

Those who attend the shrimp festival will find much more than just shrimp. There are also arts, crafts, live music, a pirate show and much more.

The Fernandina Beach Shrimp Festival is not the only event going on in Northeast Florida this weekend. There are several other events, including:

• The 17th Annual World of Nations Celebration
• The Gamble Rogers Folk Festival
• The 56th Annual Mug Race