The countdown is just about over. In two days, one of the most highly anticipated festivals in the Florida Keys will fill Marathon Community Park as the city welcomes locals and visitors alike to the 47th Original Marathon Seafood Festival.
Though the festival involves a Herculean effort each year from volunteers, sponsors, vendors and musicians, its popularity each and every year is derived from a simple, timeless recipe: cold drinks, phenomenal tunes, plenty of fun for the kids, vendors galore and, of course, fresh seafood from the Marathon fishing community.
As always, visitors should eat, drink and be merry guilt-free – it’s all for a good cause, as proceeds from the festival go to fund education programs and scholarships given to MHS seniors by the Marathon Chamber of Commerce and Organized Fishermen of Florida.
The Chamber and OFF are thrilled to welcome a locally-owned business on board as Tom Thumb becomes the festival’s first-ever title sponsor. A feature on Tom Thumb’s origins in the Keys and ever-increasing community involvement is found on page 6 of the official Marathon Seafood Festival guide produced by the Keys Weekly.
So pull up a chair, drink up, chow down. We can’t wait to see you at the festival.
THE DETAILS:
Saturday, March 11
10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Sunday, March 12
11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
@ Marathon Community Park
$5 admission
(Kids 12 and under, as well as retired and active military members, are free)
Parking
Stanley Switlik Elementary, 3400 Overseas Hwy. and neighboring lots wherever you can find it!
Handicapped parking available inside the park. Visitors are highly encouraged to use local taxi services to and from the park.
THE FOOD
Florida lobster · stone crab · mahi-mahi · oysters · shrimp · conch fritters · crab cakes · smoked fish dip · conch salad · Cuban croquettes · burgers · hot dogs · sausages
THE MUSIC
Saturday: John Bartus & Adrienne Z, 11 a.m. · The Lady A Blues Band, 1 p.m. · I-Land Vibe, 3 p.m. · The Marshall Morlock Band, 5 p.m. · The Red Elvises, 7 p.m.
Sunday: Brian Roberts, 11 a.m. · Rolando Rojas & Caribe, 1 p.m. · AJ & Southern Stampede, 3 p.m.
DRINK UP!
For the second straight year, the Marathon Chamber of Commerce is proud to offer Marathon residents and chamber members a chance to officially out-drink their friends with a “locals only” mug built to hold 22 oz. of frosty adult-style beverages (the regular mugs hold 14). Enjoy $8 and $9 refills all weekend with the $6 mug purchase. A limited number of mugs are still available for pre-sale by calling 305-743-5417 or visiting the chamber at 12222 Overseas Hwy.
GET THE GUIDE:
Scan the QR code to browse the official Marathon Seafood Festival guide, learn more about the title sponsor and find your favorite vendors:
