Marathon Seafood Festival Continues March 10 at Marathon Community Park
MARATHON, Florida Keys — The Original Marathon Seafood Festival continues with live music, vendors and plenty of fresh seafood from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, March 10, prepared by members of the Organized Fishermen of Florida.
The outdoor “feast fest,” a top draw for seafood lovers and Florida Keys families, is now in its 48th year. The festival is one of the Keys’ largest takes place at Marathon Community Park, mile marker 49 oceanside.
The menu includes plenty of local shrimp, lobster, stone crab and other favorites. Marathon-area commercial fisheries and markets catch, clean and cook the nearly 15,000-pound spread of fresh Keys seafood and tasty smoked fish dip prepared according to safeguarded “only-in-the-Keys” recipes and served at the festival.
Fishermen-turned-chefs, their families and hundreds of volunteers serve up the tasty favorites with sides of baked beans, coleslaw, hush puppies or french fries. Attendees also can chow down on other succulent items such as fish tacos, oysters, crab cakes, Cuban croquetas and more.
Although it’s not harvested in the Keys, conch is dished up as ceviche, chowder and golden-fried fritters. Hot dogs and hamburgers are to be available too, as are sweet treats — homemade Key lime pies and other baked goods — along with adult beverages including cold beer, frozen margaritas and daiquiris.
Over 200 merchant booths are to span the park displaying locally crafted spices, honey, salt scrubs and soaps; jewelry and artwork; nautical items; tropical apparel and accessories; plants, home and outdoor décor; and information about Keys nonprofit, marine animal and rescue organizations. Other attractions include a boat show, children's games and raffle prizes.
Live music performances are to include reggae, trop rock, blues, country and high-energy rock and roll. The entertainment lineup can be found at marathonseafoodfestival.com/category/entertainment-lineup.
Admission is $5 per adult and free for children under age 12 when accompanied by a paying adult. Admission Sunday is free for retired and active military members and law enforcement personnel with identification.
Proceeds benefit local continuing-education programs and scholarships presented by the Marathon chapter of the Organized Fishermen of Florida and the Greater Marathon Chamber of Commerce.
Event information: marathonseafoodfestival.com
Marathon-area commercial fishermen catch, clean and cook the nearly 15,000-pound spread of fresh Keys seafood served each year at the popular festival. Photo: JoNell Modys
Fresh steamed Key West pink shrimp are always a favorite on the menu. Photo: JoNell Modys
Attendees line up for plates of fresh fishermen-to-fork seafood favorites at the annual Marathon Seafood Festival. Photo: JoNell Modys
Fresh Florida Keys stone crab claws are on the menu along with other local seafood favorites.