By Kathy L. Collins
Get set to feast on savory seafood at the 25th Annual Ruskin Seafood Festival on Saturday, November 2 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and on Sunday, November 3 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. This gastronomic festival will be held at the wonderful E.G. Simmons Waterfront Park located at 2401 19th Ave. NW in Ruskin.
The Ruskin Seafood Festival attracts over 25,000 people each year. This makes it the biggest community event in southern Hillsborough County.
This is an event for the whole family. You can try all kinds of food, including delectable seafood, from a variety of food vendors. Melanie Morrison, Executive Director of the SouthShore Chamber of Commerce said, “We have many new food vendors this year and some of the hottest ones returning such as The Mullet Shack and Hydro Harvest Farms and the World Famous Tony’s Clam Chowder.” Morrison added, “New food vendors include A Taste of Boston and Gypsy Fish & Laughing Crab Catering. As this is our 25th anniversary, we are extending the festival hours on Saturday to include a night concert. The Sand Bar and the main stage will stay open until 8 p.m.,” said Morrison.
As this is a family friendly event, the children will enjoy the interactive kids’ area known as Guppies R Guppies which is sponsored by Kids ‘R’ Kids and the Home Depot. The kids will love the hands on creativity center, Home Depot workshops, face painting, bounce houses, obstacle courses and reverse bungee jumping. In addition, this is a pet friendly event so pets on leashes are allowed.
Local businesses sponsor the festival and help make it a huge success. This year’s Premiere Sponsors include Mosaic and Tampa Electric. Other local businesses such South Bay Hospital and Wilhelm Heating and A/C and others contribute to the festival’s success.
Admission to the 25th Annual Ruskin Seafood Festival is $5 for adults. Children 12 and under as well as active military personnel are free. Group rates are available for $3 per person, but they must be purchased in advance.
There is free parking with a free shuttle to the park or you can pay $2 and enter E.G. Simmons Park directly.
For information please email info@ruskinseafoodfestival.com or call 645-1366.
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