IN PICTURES: SCENES FROM THE 2023 ‘JOY ON THE ROCK’ FESTIVAL IN MARATHON

Sandra Lee Photography Studio

Marathon’s New Life Church held true to its promise on Nov. 4, bringing a day of family-friendly fun and support for local nonprofits to Marathon Community Park for its annual Joy on the Rock Family Fest. Bringing more than 30 vendors and nonprofits together with live music and all-ages activities, the day represented combined efforts of nearly a dozen churches from Layton to Key West. 

“We are thrilled with the turnout for the Joy on the Rock. It was heartwarming to see so many people from our community come together to enjoy a day of fun, fellowship, and service,” said New Life Church pastor John Krainer. “We are so thankful for the support of our community and the sponsors who made (this festival) possible. It was truly a special day, and we are so glad that we could bring so much joy to our community.”

Photos by SANDRA LEE PHOTOGRAPHY/Keys Weekly

Alex Rickert
Alex Rickert made the perfectly natural career progression from dolphin trainer to newspaper editor in 2021 after freelancing for Keys Weekly while working full time at Dolphin Research Center. A resident of Marathon since 2015, he fell in love with the Florida Keys community by helping multiple organizations and friends rebuild in the wake of Hurricane Irma. An avid runner, actor, and spearfisherman, he spends as much of his time outside of work on or under the sea having civil disagreements with sharks.