Ladies and gentlemen, this is what we had all been waiting for.
Marathon’s largest annual event returned in force as the 46th Original Marathon Seafood Festival resumed its rightful place at the Marathon Community Park on March 12 and 13. A product of the Marathon Chamber of Commerce and the Marathon chapter of the Organized Fishermen of Florida, the two-day party saw thousands of visitors from around the globe come together after a one-year hiatus to enjoy a weekend of shopping, games, spot-on entertainment, drinks and, of course, signature Keys seafood.
With well north of 100 vendors who persevered through an untimely and surprisingly powerful squall line on Saturday afternoon, the fields became a bustling marketplace for artists, businesses and community organizations, while a boat show greeted attendees at the entrance. “A few of our vendors reported having their best show ever,” said Chamber of Commerce accounting and events manager Jeanine D’Amico. “Even with the weather forcing some vendors to close early Saturday, they broke record sales in the first half of the day and did even better on Sunday.”
“The festival was as successful as we could have hoped,” said Chamber of Commerce CEO Daniel Samess. “I think people were excited to be back outside at one of the best events in the Keys, and it showed. We probably had one of the best Sundays ever, and we are excited to start donating monies from the event to local charities, organizations and causes that help make Marathon a great place to live.”
Surprisingly warm temperatures were tempered by consistent winds, providing a perfect outdoor atmosphere to enjoy fan favorite bands like the Red Elvises, The Rock Show, and The Southern Blood Band. Man, it’s good to be back.
Photos by Sandra Lee Photography
Photos by Alex Rickert and Patti Childress
