In just a few short weeks, more than 2,000 area residents are expected to descend on the Brookhaven Recreation Department for the 29th annual Peel ‘em and Eat ‘em Shrimp Dinner, the flagship fundraiser for Junior Auxiliary of Brookhaven.

All money raised is used to fund the group’s many community service projects, such as Wish Tree Christmas project, clothes closets at schools, Healthy You health fair, Reality World, several scholarships and Smile Games for special needs children.

JA adopted the fundraiser from St. Francis Catholic Church after the school was closed. The St. Francis fundraiser had become a community event, and many wanted to see it continue. Meanwhile, JA was looking for a major fundraiser, and the shrimp dinner seemed like a perfect fit.

Since then the project has grown to today’s size, which includes the contribution of more than 2,000 volunteer hours and 5,000 pounds of shrimp.

The chapter not only benefits from ticket sales, but also from the gracious patrons in the area.

“We are so thankful for the tremendous support we receive from businesses and individuals,” Natalie Ybarra, JA second vice-president, said. “We simply could not carry out our motto of Care Today, Character Tomorrow without their continued support.”

For those who are new to the experience or those looking to continue with the tradition, tickets are on sale for $15. The plates include boiled shrimp, baked potato salad, corn on the cob, crackers and cocktail sauce.

The event will be held Oct. 6 from 3 to 7 p.m. at the Brookhaven Recreation Department. The event will also feature the Sweet Shoppe bake sale, which will include a variety of delicious homemade cakes and other sweets.

For information about getting tickets contact Ybarra, shrimp dinner chairman, at 601-754-4349. For more information about Junior Auxiliary of Brookhaven, like them on Facebook.