Seafood and Commercial Fishermen to Star at Key West Festival

KEY WEST, Florida Keys — Seafood lovers can savor dishes made with Florida Keys fish and crustaceans, and salute the local commercial fishermen who harvest them, at a flavorful Key West festival scheduled Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 19-20.

The annual Florida Keys Seafood Festival is set for 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday at the island city’s Bayview Park, located at Truman Avenue and Jose Marti Drive.

Admission is $5 per adult including entry in a raffle for $250 worth of seafood. Children under age 12 are admitted free to the family-friendly event.

Attendees can purchase and feast on 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, cooked 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 cocktails are to be available for purchase to complement the culinary treats.

In addition to the sumptuous seafood, planned event highlights include hourly demonstrations by local celebrity chefs and an eco-discovery zone for kids.

Attendees also can expect nonstop entertainment by regional musicians and bands, arts and crafts booths showcasing handcrafted wares, raffles and Keys conservation organizations displaying education and marine life exhibits.

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