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Some-Fin for Everyone at this Apalachicola Staple

Home to tree-lined streets, hundreds of historic buildings, and miles of pristine beaches, Apalachicola is the ideal location for a relaxing Florida Panhandle vacation. Once one of the largest ports on the Gulf of Mexico, the town remains a hub for fishing, snorkeling, oyster harvesting, and boating. Make sure to sample some of the area's legendary seafood at Up The Creek Raw Bar and Owl Cafe.

 

The Florida Seafood Festival has been a community staple since it began more than 50 years ago, and it will take place November 3-4 at Apalachicola Battery Park. This year's event is a spectacular showcase of seafood featuring more than 30 vendors serving locally sourced seafood. A Maritime Exhibit Area includes a variety of exhibits highlighting the local ecosystem and wildlife. One of the most exciting aspects of the event is the Oyster Eating Contest. This is where contestants eat as many oysters as they can during a 15-minute window, with some eaters consuming more than 250 oysters in one sitting. The Oyster Shucking contest has contestants shuck a tray of 18 oysters, and the winner is determined by who does the best job at not damaging the oysters. At the Blessing of the Fleet ceremony, local clergymen, King Retsyo and Miss Florida Seafood will bless a parade of fishing and recreational boats in the marina. Families should visit the carnival area which features rides and games for all ages. We interviewed festival President, John Solomon, to learn more about this can't miss maritime experience.

 

RAL: How long has the event been running?

JS: Entering our 54th year, this is Florida's oldest Maritime event. It began in 1914 when festival officials crowned the first King Retsyo. Over the years, the Festival has had different names such as Mardi Gras, Harbor Days, and Apalachicola Seafood Festival. In 1963, the Florida Legislature renamed the event to its current title.

 

RAL: How many annual participants do you draw?

JS: We expect between 30,000 and 32,000 attendees.

 

RAL: What demographic does your event attract? Children? Families? Couples? Children?

JS: We see families, couples, and singles ranging in age from 5-85. It's a family-friendly event with a little something for everyone.

 

RAL: What makes this event unique?

JS: The history of the area and the involvement of the community sets our event apart. We have the Oyster Shucking Championship, which is the official Florida shucking championship. For the past decade, the person who has won our championship has competed in the national championship. There will also be blue crab races and an oyster eating contest. Our food row consists of nonprofit groups and carnival food vendors. Each nonprofit has exclusive local seafood items for sale.

 

RAL: Take us through the activities of a typical day at the event.

JS: For the full event schedule, please visit our event website.

 

RAL: Will there be any guest appearances?

JS: Tyndall Air Force Base will be doing a flyover during the opening ceremony.

 

RAL: What dining options will attendees encounter?

JS: We have food, food, and more food! Attendees can sample seafood meals and snacks from more than 30 vendors which will only use locally caught seafood. The seafood is fresh and cooked just the way the locals like it.

 

RAL: Tell us about the overall atmosphere?

JS: The event is held outdoors in our beautiful and family-friendly community. No alcohol is served or sold in the festival.

 

RAL: What can an attendee expect to find for local lodging?

JS: Travelers will find a variety of hotels and rental properties in Apalachicola, St. George Island, Carrabelle, and St. James Bay.

 

RAL: Does this drive business to your local economy?

JS: Our event provides a massive boost to the local economy. Participating vendors and nonprofits receive a significant amount of exposure, and for most, it's their most significant weekend of the year.

 

RAL: Does the event support a particular cause in the community?

JS: The event supports a variety nonprofits by providing them with booth spaces at no charge. We also have given more than 45 scholarships over the past 15 years to high school graduates. The Festival is known locally as the granddaddy of local events.

 

For more information about the Florida Seafood Festival, please visit the event website.