Savor Local Seafood and Salute Commercial Fishermen at Key West Festival
Attendees at the 13th annual Florida Keys Seafood Festival scheduled Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 13-14, 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 Bayview Park, located at Truman Avenue and Jose Marti Drive.
The savory seafood menu features fresh grilled Florida spiny lobster, “pick and peel” Key West pink shrimp, stone crab claws, fried local fish, smoked fish dip with crackers, lobster bisque and more. All seafood is to be prepared and served by local fishermen and their families.
Traditional regional favorites such as conch salad, conch chowder and conch fritters, prepared according to local recipes, also await attendees. Other edibles include hotdogs, 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, raffles and a “fun zone” with lively activities for kids. Vendor booths are to offer arts and crafts depicting aspects of the fishing community and marine life, as well as other items handcrafted by local artisans.
Admission is $5 per adult, including entry into a raffle for $250 worth of seafood, and free for children under age 12. Proceeds from the festival benefit the Florida Keys Commercial Fishermen’s Association and scholarships for college-bound students from Key Largo to Key West.
Event information: floridakeysseafoodfestival.com