MAGNOLIA SPRINGS, Ala. — It’s one of those places you’d be sorry you missed. Right off U.S. 98, Magnolia Springs is a quiet town with beautiful homes nestled right on the Magnolia River.

There won’t be any way to miss the community on April 2, however. The first-ever Magnolia Springs Seafood Celebration will take place on the grounds of the Magnolia Springs Volunteer Fire Department.

“We want to raise awareness of the area. People don’t know where it is. We know it’s a beautiful pace, but the rest of the world does not know,” said Wade Peryer, the event coordinator.

Tickets are $20 in advance at Jesse’s Restaurant in Magnolia Springs, or $25 at the gate. VIP admission is $75 and entitles the ticket holder to an exclusive tent, private bathroom facilities and food and wine pairings by Jesse’s Executive Chef Glennon Leary. The gates open at 11 a.m.

Festival goers will be treated to food from Jesse’s and several other area restaurants. There will be samples of wine from the Wine Liberation Society.

“David Lawrence is the head of the society, and he is part of a co-op of vineyards in California,” Peryer said. “But, he lives here in Magnolia Springs.”

Each restaurant, according to Peryer, will be creating an original seafood dish. The seafood will be obtained locally.

“All the restaurants are creating recipes for the event,” explained Peryer. He said the chefs are asking for Gulf shrimp and many other types of Gulf seafood to create their dishes. Those attending the festival will be able to sample the dishes.

And if you like beer, not wine with your seafood, you are in luck. Peryer says that micro-brewers from “all over the country” will be set up to distribute samples of their products. A nationally known brewer will also be on the grounds if you find the micro-brews not to your taste.

Entertainment will be provided by The Buds from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., and The Modern Eldorados will take the stage from 3-6 p.m.

There will be a small number of crafters on the festival grounds as well.

“This is a real bargain,” said Peryer. “There is going to be great seafood, great beer and wine.” He added this is an “adult” event and while children are not excluded, the event is “geared for adults.”Attendees are urged to bring lawn chairs and blankets to enjoy the music, but coolers will not be permitted.

The event will benefit St. Paul’s Episcopal Chapel, the local Kiwanis Club and the Magnolia Springs Volunteer Fire Department. Peryer said all three organizations will split the proceeds from the festival.