Celebration of Local Seafood Scheduled April 2-3 in Key West

KEY WEST, Florida Keys — Seafood lovers can savor fresh local lobster, finfish, shrimp, stone crab claws and more — and salute the hardy fishermen who spend their careers harvesting it — during the 16th annual Florida Keys Seafood Festival set for Saturday and Sunday, April 2-3.

While the festival is traditionally held each January, the 2022 feast was rescheduled to celebrate spring. Presented by the Florida Keys Commercial Fishermen’s Association, it’s slated 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 family-friendly gathering was conceived to showcase regional seafood and generate awareness about the history and significance of the Keys’ commercial fishing industry.

Attendees can purchase and savor offerings that typically include grilled Florida spiny lobster, fried fish baskets or platters, stone crab claws, smoked fish dip, peel-and-eat Key West pink shrimp and more — all caught, prepared and served by Keys commercial fishermen and their families.

The menu also includes favorite dishes such as conch chowder, ceviche and fritters as well as traditional flan and Key lime pie. Soft drinks, beer, wine and other libations are to be available for purchase as well.

In addition to the sumptuous seafood, attendees can expect nonstop live music by regional musicians and bands, booths showcasing handcrafted wares and merchandise, activities for kids and educational displays by Keys not-for-profit organizations.

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.

Proceeds from the festival benefit the Florida Keys Commercial Fishermen’s Association, its sustainable fisheries management efforts and scholarships for college-bound students from Key Largo to Key West.

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