Florida’s gulf coast is known world-wide for its wealth of fresh seafood which sparks numerous festivals dedicated to the delicacies harvested from the waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Adding a unique twist to this celebration of nature’s bounty, the members of the Matlacha Mariners have successfully combined its annual Seafood Festival with a Car Show.
This year’s event will take place today, March 26, from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and will be staged at the German-American Club on Pine Island Road in Cape Coral. This large venue offers the Mariners the space to host nearly a dozen food vendors as well as numerous automobiles from classics to today’s contemporary vehicles.
Coolers and carry in beverages will not be permitted, but the Mariners have arranged for vendors to provide beverages as well as food for this event.
No festival would be complete without music and this year, the Mariners have enlisted the aide of several area performers. Appearing at the band shell will be The New Vinyls, Vytus, Soapbox and the 50s/60s doo wop band, Brylcream. Adjacent to the band stand are tables in the shade where festival goers can relax, enjoy freshly prepared seafood dishes and listen to the musicians throughout the afternoon. In addition to some of the areas best seafood, concessions also will be available for those who prefer a landlubber menu.
This year food vendors include; Big Papas Concessions, Blue Crawfish Catering, Miceli’s Seafood, AliGator, Cameron’s British Seafood, Perfect Cup, Waterfront Restaurant and Maria Rosa.
Also staged on the festival grounds will be numerous art and craft vendors and representatives from organizations to provide information about the charitable work they do in the community.
At approximately 3:30 p.m. the winners of the car show will be announced and trophies will be presented by a panel of judges.
The admission fee for this year’s Southwest Florida Seafood Festival and Car Show is $5 for adults and children under the age of 11 will be admitted free with a paid adult. Ample parking is available on the grounds of the German-American Club is free with admission to the event.
All proceeds from the Seafood Festival and Car Show will benefit Pine Island charities including FISH, the Pine Island Food Pantry, the Beacon of HOPE, Pine Island Elementary School and many individuals in need.
The Matlacha Mariners are a group of men dedicated to assisting the Pine Island community where ever they are needed. The Matlacha Mariners meet on the first Thursday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at the Matlacha Community Center in the Matlacha Community Park.
To qualify for membership, the applicant must be at least 21 years of age and desire to serve as a role model for area youth by setting a good example through aiding the less fortunate in the community. For more information about the 10th annual Southwest Florida Seafood Festival or the Matlacha Mariners, visit matlachamariners.org