The event raises thousands of dollars year after year to benefit the Coral Shores graduating class.
The Upper Keys celebrated its culinary culture and local arts on March 5 at the fifth annual Seafood Fest, hosted by the Islamorada Moose Lodge. Visitors enjoyed dozens of vendors selling seafood, art and jewelry, and live music by local musicians.
Food booths included those run by the Moose Lodge, M.E.A.T. and private chef Michael Maxwell. Maxwell, whose booth sold bang bang shrimp, sees the event as an outlet to share his best recipes with the community.
“I’ve been doing this event for the last six years and I think it’s a great thing for the community,” he said. “I love seeing people enjoy the food I’ve made for them.”
For the seafood-averse, a range of booths offered Mediterranean food, salsa, flan and gelato.
Several vendors participated in the yearly fish dip contest, each putting their own unique spin on the dish. Bobby Singer, co-owner of What Are We Smokin’, describes the long history of his recipe.
“It took me and my best friend six years to come to this formula,” said Singer. “Its spice profile elevates it.”
Beyond the food, many of the booths represented local artists, businesses and charitable organizations like MarrVelous Pet Rescue and the Florida Keys Wild Bird Center. Local gallery artist Mariano “Marty” Leonel presented his artwork, distinguished by its vibrant colors painted across recycled wood. Jewelry was sold by Freckled Blondie earrings, Shelling Sisters, Earth to Ocean and Lionfish Jewelry, which sold earrings and necklaces made from the spines of invasive lionfish.
Live music was provided by Keys rock bands Coconut Cowboys and the Lower Mat Cats. The parading Key West Junkanoos also made an appearance, expressing their Caribbean culture through elaborate dress and music.
As an event, the Seafood Fest represents more than just a community gathering to enjoy the culinary and art culture of the Florida Keys. Money from the $5 admission fee and from several of the vendors is donated by the Moose to the Coral Shores graduating class of 2023. Money raised by the Moose provides for many college, career and technical scholarships every year. This year the Moose hopes to surpass the previous year’s total by extensively working to run community events and charitable efforts.
“Everything we do is for charity,” said Hank Stark, the president of the Islamorada Moose Lodge. “The Seafood Fest helps us to raise money for scholarship funds, but it also matters because it’s a community event and it brings the community together.”
