Savor Local Seafood and Salute Commercial Fishermen at Key West Festival
KEY WEST, Florida Keys — Attendees at the 19th annual Florida Keys Seafood Festival scheduled Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 15-16, can celebrate the region’s world-renowned fresh seafood and the commercial fishermen who devote their careers to harvesting it.
Presented by the Florida Keys Commercial Fishermen’s Association, the family-friendly community feast is set for 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday at Key West’s Truman Waterfront Park, overlooking the water at the end of Southard Street.
The savory seafood menu is to feature fresh grilled Florida spiny lobster, peel-and-eat Key West pink shrimp, stone crab claws, smoked fish dip with crackers, fried local fish, lobster bisque and more. All seafood is to be prepared and served by Keys fishermen and their families.
Traditional regional favorites such as conch chowder and conch fritters also await attendees. Other edibles include hot dogs, hamburgers, sweet flan and Key lime pie. Beverages ranging from soft drinks to beer and wine to island-style cocktails are to be available for purchase.
Plans also call for nonstop live music by regional musicians and bands. Entertainers are to include headliner Maggie Baugh, the Marshall Morlock Band, students from the Bahama Village Music Program, the Double Down Band and Uncle Rico, among others.
Vendor booths are to offer arts and crafts themed to reflect marine life and the Keys’ flourishing fishing community, as well as other locally handcrafted items. Additional booths are to feature educational information from regional conservation organizations, while an eco-activity area is planned for kids.
Admission is $10 per adult, good for both days, and includes entry in a raffle for $250 worth of seafood. Children under age 12 are admitted free to the family-friendly event, as are veterans and active-duty military members with military I.Ds.
Proceeds from the festival benefit the Florida Keys Commercial Fishermen’s Association’s sustainable fisheries management programs and scholarships for Florida Keys students.
Event information: floridakeysseafoodfestival.com
The Florida Keys Seafood Festival moves to Truman Waterfront Park this year overlooking the water.
Plans for the festival include non-stop music along with an endless supply of fresh Florida Keys seafood.
Fresh Florida stone crab claws will be on the menu along with shopping for arts and crafts.