FAIRHOPE — Food, music and fun all for a worthy cause? Sounds like a great reason to celebrate. Tickets are on sale now for the 14th annual Bald Eagle Bash April 27.

Hosted by the South Alabama Land Trust (SALT), the funds raised from the event support SALT's mission to protect land and promote environmental education in coastal Alabama so current and future residents can enjoy clean water and the marine life, wildlife and outdoor recreation that define our area.

"The Bald Eagle Bash is a major fundraising opportunity for SALT and having raised nearly $97,000 at last year's Bash, we are grateful that the community shows so much support for our mission," said Janet Herndon, SALT executive director. "At the 2024 Bash, we look forward to the community and our local businesses contributing to SALT's work by exceeding last year's fundraising success and joining us for this Party for Preservation."

The fun kicks off at the Tonsmeire Weeks Bay Resource Center, 11525 U.S. 98, Fairhope, Saturday, April 27, from 4-7 p.m. For more information about SALT and the Bald Eagle Bash or to purchase tickets, visit southalabamalandtrust.org.

What can attendees expect?

Those in attendance will get a "Taste of the Gulf." Restaurants and caterers from Mobile and Baldwin County will present guests with creative shrimp-based dishes and some alternatives. This year's shrimp dishes will be presented by Alabama Coastal Catering, Dragonfly Foodbar, Frederic's Restaurant, Tin-Tin's Rock and Roll Food Truck, Tammy's Sports Bar and Grill, Ed's Seafood, The Hope Farm, Billy's Seafood and Allegri Farm Market.

For visitors that are not shrimp fans don't worry. Guthrie's Chicken, Chef Cassie, Punta Clara Kitchen and Warehouse Bakery will be on-site with alternatives and sweets.

Thirsty guests will have a wide selection of beer to choose from. Local brewers Braided River and Fairhope Brewing will be serving their favorite beers including the event signature brew from Fairhope Brewing's Bald Eagle Blue.

Back for the third year is the Braided River Shuttle. Those who live in Mobile and would like to attend can skip driving and take the shuttle. The cost is only $10 round trip. Make sure to add the shuttle on before checking out on Eventbrite.

Music is always a big draw for events and the Bald Eagle Bash is no different. This year's musical entertainment will be The Dial Street Band from Mobile.

"South Alabama Land Trust (SALT) works with public and private partners to preserve land in perpetuity and protect the natural resources in coastal Alabama," said Katherine Kuhn, SALT outreach and communications manager. "Since its founding in 1990 to support the Weeks Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, SALT has protected more than 10,800 acres of unique plant and animal habitat, including hundreds of preserved acres owned and conservation easements held by our organization."

Tickets went on sale March 11 and sell out fast so don't wait. For more information on the South Alabama Land Trust, the event or to purchase tickets, visit southalabamalandtrust.org.