IN PICTURES: WELCOME BACK, KEY COLONY BEACH DAY

By
Alex Rickert
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Some walked away with lighter pockets after a trip to the “Barracuda Races” tents, but yelling at racing pilchards is just good clean fun.

A large new space at Key Colony Beach’s 7th Street Park was put to good use as Key Colony Beach Day returned on March 6 from its 2021 hiatus. With nearly 100 vendors, plenty of food options, and a couple head-scratching competitions – namely “Barracuda Racing” and a Rubber Ducky Race – the Key Colony Beach Community Association successfully infused a typical family festival with unique Keys flavor. “Thank you everyone for attending,” said KCB city administrator David Turner. “I’m truly grateful for the KCB Community Association putting on a great event. Our new location was a hit and most likely will be used in the future. See everyone next year!”

From left, Jan Pflueger, Jan Sables, and Florence Roseboro are the stewards of the “Wheelbarrow of Cheer” raffle to benefit the KCB Boating and Fishing Club.
Unnamed Pilchard #5 was the right pick for this heat of the “Barracuda Races.”
The return of one of Key Colony Beach’s biggest events drew dignitaries from across the Keys. Pictured, from left: Monroe County Commissioner Michelle Coldiron, KCB City Administrator David Turner, Monroe County Senior Director of Strategic Planning and Libraries Kimberly Matthews, Erin, Sheriff Rick Ramsay.
Representatives from the Marathon Rotary Club staff the all-important beer tent. Pictured, from left: Brian Tewes, Marianne Finizio, Erin Arnett, Mike Puto, Charlotte Quinn.
The Marathon Fire Department turns on the pumps and ushers hundreds of rubber ducks across a canal for the Zonta Club of Marathon’s Rubber Ducky Race.
Michael J (pictured), Papa Pete and Rick Quick brought the live tunes to the 7th Street Park throughout the day.
Some walked away with lighter pockets after a trip to the “Barracuda Races” tents, but yelling at racing pilchards is just good clean fun.
Photos by Alex Rickert and Larry Benvenuti

Alex Rickert
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.

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