30th annual Ruskin Seafood Festival to be best yet
By LOIS KINDLE
After three decades, the largest community event in South Shore seems like it couldn’t get much better. But this year’s event, set for Nov. 3 and 4 at E.G. Simmons Regional Park, promises to be the best one yet.
“In the spirit of our 30th anniversary, we’ve replaced some traditional vendors to add more variety to the food court,” said Melanie Rimes, executive director of the SouthShore Chamber of Commerce, the festival’s hosting organization. “We’re also making the kids’ area much more affordable. We’ll have all the same favorites we’ve had in the past, but this year only the hamster balls and mechanical shark have a cost. Everything else is free.”
The entertainment’s also new, except for one local band.
Saturday’s lineup includes Rhythm Trail (steel drums) from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.; Juanjamon and the Sunsetters (beach/reggae), 1:30 to 3 p.m.; Kosmic Pearl (’60s and ’70s), 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. and the Robbie Cockrell Band (country), 5:30 to 7 p.m.
Sunday’s lineup starts with Jesse Byers (country/beach) from 10 to 11:15 a.m.; Someday Honey (Americana/old Jimmy Buffett), 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.; Carly Buress (country), 1:30 to 3 p.m.; and Buss Full of Monkeys (beach), 3:30 to 5 p.m.
As always, seafood will shine. Mobstah Lobstah will feature items like real Maine lobster and shrimp tacos, loaded lobster tater tots; lobster roll combos and lobster mac & cheese. And Chop and Serve will offer Cajun and Creole foods like crawfish étouffée, shrimp and grits; spicy catfish strips and shrimp po’ boys. Other vendors will include the Laughing Crab, Hammerheads, JBs Sweet Addiction, Bearcakes, Poppin Don’s Old-Fashioned Ice Cream, Kona Ice and more. Even folks who don’t eat seafood will find plenty of options.
As mentioned previously, the kids’ area will feature lots of free activities: Bungee jumping, face-painting, balloon art, a double slide, obstacle course and more. New this year, and also free, are a show by bubble master Blaise Ryndes, of America’s Got Talent fame and Panama Pearl’s Pirate World, complete with a giant pirate ship for kids to explore and take pictures. Sounds like a blast for any child.
The festival will feature about 100 business, artists, craftsmen and nonprofit vendors, plus a boating and RV exhibition hosted by Drew’s RV in Ruskin.
Festival hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days, but the food court, Sandbar Lounge and Clam Jam Stage will remain open from 5 to 7 p.m.
“The festival is a really nice way to bring people together in the community,” Rimes said. “It allows people to get out and appreciate the natural surroundings that make this such a wonderful place to live. It’s also a perfect way for us to showcase our South Shore businesses and nonprofit organizations in a fun, laid-back atmosphere.”
Sponsors include Wyndom Resorts, Suncoast Credit Union, Mosaic, Drew’s RV, Kids ’R’ Kids Southshore, The Observer News and 11 other area businesses.
Festival admission is $5 for adults; children 12 and younger get in free, as do active duty and military retirees with a valid ID. A group discount of $3 per person is available for 20 folks or more if purchased in advance.
E.G. Simmons Regional Park is at 2401 19th Ave. N.W., Ruskin. Hillsborough County requires a $2 per carload fee to enter.
For advance tickets or more information, visit www.ruskinseafoodfestival.org or call 813-645-1366.