The Saint William Seafood Festival, best known for its famous gumbo, began in 1970 under the leadership of the late Father Patrick Murphy and a few dedicated parishioners.  The Festival has continued to be the primary fundraiser for the church through the years.  Not only is the freshly prepared food a favorite in the local communities, but also to people coming as far away as Tennessee and Georgia. 

 In 2004, the Festival was moved to Civitan Park in Guntersville and was expanded into a two-day event which included a variety of arts and crafts vendors.  In 2005, the Festival returned to a one-day event and was renamed the St. William Festival.  

This year, the festival will again feature its renowned Creole-style filé gumbo and boiled, spicy Cajun shrimp as well as crawfish, hushpuppies, and slaw.  These ŕ la carte items will be served from 10:30 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. and may be enjoyed in the park pavilion.   The gumbo and shrimp will be available in quarts as well as pints, and the crawfish will be sold by the pound.  (Note that the Latino favorites available last year will not be served at the festival this year.)  Shrimp and gumbo will also be sold in our drive-thru by the quart beginning at 7:30 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. or until sold out. 

In addition to the delicious food, St. William will have a drawing for each of four great prizes:  Two Alabama vs. Auburn football tickets, $1000 cash, Set of four tires, and Fifty gallons of gas!  Tickets will be $2.00 each or six for $10.00.  

We look forward to seeing you at our annual festival. 

Directions to the festival as well as a printable flyer are available by clicking the links below.