Savor the Flavors of the Original Marathon Seafood Festival March 12-13

Marathon is known as the Boating Destination of the Florida Keys, but the Original Marathon Seafood Festival stars seafood fare rather than seafaring. This much-anticipated feast is set for Saturday and Sunday, March 12-13, at Marathon Community Park, mile marker 49 oceanside.

The annual munch-a-thon features local delicacies like Florida lobster, succulent stone crab claws, plump pink shrimp and smoked fish prepared according to a secret recipe. Keys chefs are to offer conch in chowders, salad and fritters, as well as fresh oysters, clams and fried local fish. Hungry customers also can indulge in traditional landlubber favorites like hamburgers and hot dogs. Sweets including fresh Key lime pie, cakes and icy treats should provide a fine finish to the seafood extravaganza. Cold beer and soft drinks are to be available as well.

Other attractions include an artists' village, nautical flea market, vendor booths and children's games. Among the musicians scheduled to perform are country favorite Amber Leigh, Mojito, Island Vibe and many favorite local entertainers.

Festival hours are 10am to 9 pm Saturday and 11 am to 5 pm Sunday. Admission is $5 per adult. Children under 12 are admitted free when accompanied by a paying adult. The festival is co-sponsored by the Marathon Chapter of the Organized Fishermen of Florida and the Marathon Chamber of Commerce.

Event information: www.marathonseafoodfestival.com or 305-743-5417
Marathon visitor information: 1-800-262-7284 or www.fla-keys.com/marathon
Social: www.facebook.com/floridakeysandkeywest or Twitter.com/thefloridakeys