Between the vendor booths, boat show, food truck rally and beach, there’s plenty to see and do at the Keys Deck & Dock Supply Gigantic Nautical Market.
Presented by Pool Spa Billiard Store, nearly 400 booths are set up around Founders Park in the 31st running of this shopping extravaganza. Vendors from the Sunshine State and other parts of the U.S. have just about everything for a day on the water, from apparel and rods to accessories and sunglasses. Stroll the aisles of tents to find the latest boating and fishing products and items to protect you from the beating sun. There are also arts and crafts, furniture and cabinetry, cutlery, trinkets, antiques and more.
To go with the shopping is a boat show by the beach. Check out the latest models and step aboard what could be your next vessel for endless adventures. There’s also the food truck rally with all sorts of fare, from Greek and Mexican to pizza, fish sandwiches and sweet treats.
And don’t miss the mobile drink stations, with ice cold beers and seltzers, and the famous Bloody Mary booths (check the map on pages 16-17).
The two-day event is back and better than ever. It’s the signature fundraiser for the Upper Keys Rotary Club, which doles out hundreds of thousands of dollars to graduating seniors to continue their education and technical training. Flip through this program and you’ll read real stories of success and testimonials from students who’ve excelled thanks to financial support from the Upper Keys Rotary Foundation.
“Our job to bring community members and visitors together with vendors benefits the students to the tune of $200,000 every year,” said Matt Turk, Upper Keys Rotary Club president. “That’s $2.5 million paid to about 250 students at roughly 30 universities and schools.”
The foundation is unique in that the club provides a large percentage of awards to students who are already enrolled in higher education or technical training.
“We’ve had some spectacular success with technical schools; we supported aircraft maintenance training, diesel and marine engineering maintenance, law enforcement, paramedic, EMT and other valuable technical training,” said Rotarian Frank Derfler.
Event proceeds also provide $40,000 to $50,000 to Take Stock in Children every year. That money is matched by the Florida Legislature and stays in Monroe County.
When: Saturday, Feb. 21 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, Feb. 22 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: Founders Park, MM 87, bayside, Islamorada.
Park here: Coral Shores High School, MM 89.9, oceanside. Shuttles run continuously both days. It’s the easiest way to get to and from the event. The last bus run is 5:15 p.m. on Saturday and 3:15 p.m. on Sunday.
Enter here: Southwest end of the park at the fire station or the main entrance to Founders Park. Suggested admission is $5 for ages 17 and up (cash and credit cards accepted.) Funds support scholarships.
Food: Food trucks and drink stations are throughout the park. Find a food truck list on page 8 and drink stations on pages 16-17.
