Islander Resort’s Elements Restaurant, artist Luis Miguel Rodriguez, Second Chance Creations Driftwood Art, Ocean Studies Charter School and Paddle! The Florida Keys were among the big winners at the 30th Annual Island Fest, held at Founders Park on April 2-3.
After a two-year hiatus, the event brought in thousands to enjoy a weekend of art, sand sculpting, antique cars, homemade boats and exceptional Keys cuisine. Sunny Florida Keys weather greeted Island Fest patrons, many of whom flocked to the Elements booth in the popular Taste of Islamorada competition, where shrimp and octopus ceviche, king crab and lobster tostada served with chef Julius’ special avocado crema and salsa roja, and house-made chocolate chip cookies were all on the menu; Elements won the People’s Choice Award.
Twisted Shrimp took the Best Entrée category with its large, ever-so-lightly dusted shrimp fried to perfection and served with chef Cary’s cocktail sauce. However, there were some new faces to the Taste of Islamorada that surprised the judges with their creative and innovative fare. Moe’s Place at Bud N’ Mary’s, whose grand opening was just a few months ago, took the Best Soup category with a red lentil soup served Turkish-style with organic lentils and isot peppers. Yet another newcomer, El Framboyan Cuban Cuisine, took Best Appetizer for their fried cheese curds in guava sauce and Best Dessert with their sponge cake with meringue, double cream and peaches.
A field of 100 skilled artists and artisans from throughout the U.S. turned out this year for the Plantation Yacht Harbor Arts & Crafts Show. Taking Best of Show was South Florida artist Luis Miguel Rodriguez, whose love for underwater diving enhanced his abilities as an artist. These influences are still predominant in his paintings, as they continue to complement and display his vision of the sea world on the canvas. Also honored at the art show were Thomas and Nicol Gross, Florida-based mixed media artists of Second Chance Creations Driftwood Art, who took home the Most Creative Artisan award for their depictions of ocean life sculpted onto driftwood.
Pirates, ships and treasure chests covered the beach for this year’s sand sculpture contest. Team Ocean Studies Charter School, led by Jessica Martinez, won the contest with their depiction of a giant blue octopus overtaking a pirate ship loaded with booty. The competition at this year’s “What Floats Your Boat” was fierce with homemade boat entries from local non-profits, organizations and businesses. Scott and Betsy Baste wowed crowds during the races with their boat “Carmen Miranda & Her Big Banana” that took the Lucky Ducky Admiral Award.
Children painted a life-sized dolphin statue, participated in numerous hula-hooping contests, and the kids’ version of the homemade boat competition, “What Floaties Your Boat.” Children met and swam with a real-life mermaid, got a mermaid makeover and posed for photos. Patrons got to view some fabulous vintage rides at the All-American Road Vintage Cruisers Show. The event also offered two days worth of music, with the Coconut Cowboys rocking out the crowds and closing the show on Sunday afternoon.
