Celebrating seafood in Key West

For nearly 200 years, Key West’s cuisine has been based around the ocean’s bounty.

Seafood lovers can feast on fresh local lobster, finfish, shrimp, stone crab claws and more — and salute the hardy fishermen who spend their careers harvesting it — during the Florida Keys Seafood Festival set for Saturday and Sunday, January 15-16.

The 16th annual festival is set for 11 am to 8 pm Saturday and 11 am to 5 pm Sunday at Key West’s Bayview Park, located at Truman Avenue and Jose Marti Drive.

Presented by the Florida Keys Commercial Fishermen’s Association, the family-friendly gathering was conceived to showcase regional seafood and generate awareness about the history and significance of the Keys’ commercial fishing industry.

Attendees can purchase and savour offerings that typically include grilled Florida spiny lobster, fried fish baskets or platters, stone crab claws, smoked fish dip, peel-and-eat Key West pink shrimp and more .It is all caught, prepared and served by Keys commercial fishermen and their families.

The menu also includes favourite dishes such as conch chowder, ceviche and fritters as well as traditional flan and Key lime pie. Soft drinks, beer, wine and other libations are to be available.

In addition to the sumptuous seafood, visitors can expect nonstop entertainment by regional musicians and bands, arts and crafts booths showcasing handcrafted wares, raffles and Keys conservation organisations displaying education and marine life exhibits.

Admission is $10 per adult, good for both days, and includes entry in a raffle for $250 worth of seafood. Children under age 12 are admitted free.

Proceeds from the festival benefit the Florida Keys Commercial Fishermen’s Association, its sustainable fisheries management efforts and scholarships for college-bound students from Key Largo to Key West.