Island Fest returns to Islamorada on April 2 -3, featuring a juried art show, live music, great food, classic cars and much more. The annual Islamorada Chamber of Commerce fundraiser, now in its 30th year, will take place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday at Founders Park, MM 87, bayside.
The Plantation Yacht Harbor Arts and Crafts Show will feature some 100 artists whose works include everything from paintings and sculptures to jewelry, fine crafts and even driftwood carvings. Recognized as this year’s poster artist is painter Derek DeYoung, whose work Tarpon at Play captures the joyful nature of this powerful fish. Says his wife and partner, Janell, “As a boy Derek dreamt of one day living in the Keys. Today, he spends the winter months in Big Pine Key, and has done so for the last eight years. Beyond just living the island life, Derek worked extremely hard to master the art of catching flats gamefish on a fly, as well as capturing them in his unique and captivating style in acrylic paint on his canvases. To be named poster artist for Island Fest has meant the world to Derek, as he truly considers the Florida Keys his home, and is so honored to represent his fellow Keys artists this year for Island Fest.”
Food is always a mainstay during both days of Island Fest. The culmination of local culinary greatness will come Sunday at noon when the Taste of Islamorada competition brings out top local restaurants to show off their most mouthwatering dishes. Attendees will get to cast their ballot for the People’s Choice Award. The awards ceremony will take place on the stage at 4 p.m. on Sunday.
Back at Island Fest this year for car enthusiasts is the All-American Road Vintage Cruisers Car Show, featuring antique cars, trucks, motorcycles and rat rods. The show will be visible from U.S.1, Florida’s only official “All American Road,” encouraging passersby with an interest in antique and unique cars to stop for a look. Awards will be presented for Coolest Cruiser, Raddest Rod, KeyZ Rider, Longest Haul, Big Kahuna, Funkiest Foreign, Best of Show, and People’s Choice. New entrants are always encouraged.
An array of popular musical acts appealing to music lovers of all genres will perform throughout the festival. Acts will range from country and rock to blues, jazz and reggae. The Coconut Cowboys will be back again to rock the beach and close out the event on Sunday afternoon from 2 to 4 p.m. No matter what your musical taste, there is something for everybody on the main stage located on the beach at Island Fest.
Added to this year’s festival are mermaids swimming in the bay.
