Mel Fisher Day in Key West is an annual tribute to the rum-and-Coke drinking, gold-chain-adorned Keys character remembered as “the world’s greatest treasure hunter” whose discovery of the Nuestra Senora de Atocha shipwreck and whose life and motto, “Today’s the Day,” inspired people worldwide to follow their dreams. This year’s celebration is set for Saturday, July 15 at the Schooner Wharf Bar, 202 William St., at the Key West Historic Seaport.
A favorite Mel Fisher’s Crew annual reunion event, festivities will begin at 4 p.m. and include live music, Mel Fisher trivia games, a 50/50 raffle, the ever-popular “X Marks the Spot Cupcake” game of chance — one lucky winner will score a piece of authentic treasure — a huge online silent auction, a live on-stage auction for a piece from the “Taffi’s Treasures” jewelry line, and presentation of the annual Mel Fisher Lifetime Achievement Award.
Author Wendy Tucker will be on hand to sign copies of her recently published book, “Today’s the Day – The Mel Fisher Story.”
The online auction component, which opened for bids on June 15, offers savvy treasure hunters the opportunity to compete for more than $25,000 in tangible booty and adventurous experiences.
The net proceeds of the 2023 Mel Fisher Day event will benefit Wesley House Family Services, a nonprofit organization whose programs provide crucial support to child welfare and family preservation throughout the Florida Keys; and the Michael J. Abt Have a Heart Foundation, whose mission is to ensure that all schools are equipped with automatic external defibrillators and that school staff and students are trained in their use in the event of a cardiac emergency.More information and an online auction link are at melfisherdays.com.
