Enjoy the sea - on land
By MARY COLLISTER
Published November 3, 2006
What says "Florida" better then a boat show, chopper display, seafood and wonderful fall weather? Not much, and all of that and more will be on tap at this weekend's Ruskin Seafood Festival.
What started 18 years ago as a promotion for the area's commercial fishermen has grown into a two-day family event. Each year, festival organizers try to out do the previous year's effort.
A costume contest for the children has been added and the number of vendors has increased, festival coordinator Donna Almond said. Last year's attendance topped 14,000 and more guests are expected to pass through the gates this year.
Almond emphasized that the festival is an alcohol-free event with entertainment and activities for all family members.
"Dad may want to take a look at the choppers or boats, while the children can enjoy the costume contest. And mom may enjoy the arts and crafts vendors," she said.
And then there's the seafood: lobster, oysters, shrimp, grouper and other delicacies.
But the fun doesn't stop there. Juried art and fine crafts will be on display and for sale.
The festival also managed to combine just plain fun with a little education. There will be environmental displays about Florida fish and wildlife conservation and wildlife rescue. Speaking of animals, well-behaved, four-legged family members are welcome as long as they're on a leash.
The festival is at the 260-acre E.G. Simmons Park, 2401 19th Ave. NW in Ruskin, on Tampa Bay. Besides the festival, there's opportunities to enjoy the park's botanical and bird sanctuary, fishing and beach area.
What would a festival be without live music? There will be bands both days playing gospel, jazz, pop, blues, and country.
The festival is 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $5 for adults, $4 for seniors and children under 12 get in free.
Parking is free and there is free shuttle service from the parking area.
The children's costume contest is Saturday at 2 p.m., preregistration begins at 1. See www.ruskin seafoodfestival.org for additional information and directions to the park.
IF YOU GO
Ruskin Seafood Festival
When: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday. Children's costume contest: registration at 1 p.m. Saturday, event at 2.
Where: E.G. Simmons Park, 2401 19th Ave. NW
Admission: $5 for adults, $4 for seniors, free for kids under 12.
Parking: Free, with complimentary shuttle service
Details and directions: www.ruskinseafoodfestival.org