CORTEZ – The two-day 43rd Annual Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival will bring local seafood, live music, local art and educational talks to the historic fishing village this weekend from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. both days.
New this year, Allen Garner will tell short history stories – “Cortez Tales” – on the Miller Dock. “Dock Talks” by the University of Florida IFAS Florida Sea Grant program will be held all day both days at the Fulford Fish House.
In recognition of the village’s recovery following last year’s hurricanes, the theme of this year’s festival is “Swamped but Never Sunk.”
Mindful of the continuing recovery efforts, the Florida Institute for Saltwater Heritage (FISH) board asked for Cortez residents’ opinions last November about holding the annual festival. Many residents agreed that a festival would be uplifting for residents following the hurricanes that swamped homes in the village.
All of the proceeds from the volunteer-run festival will benefit FISH and its mission to preserve the village of Cortez and continue the conservation of the 98-acre FISH Preserve to the east of the village.
The festival will be on 46th Avenue at the end of 123rd Street in front of A.P. Bell Fish Co. and Star Fish Co.
Festival hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Admission is $5, with kids 12 and under free.
The Boy Scouts, in partnership with FISH, will offer on-site parking at the FISH Preserve, one block east of the village off Cortez Road, for a $5 donation. Bus and golf cart transportation to the festival entrance at 123rd Street Court West will be provided.
Off-site parking will be available at Cortez Road Baptist Church located between 99th and 100th Street and Cortez Road, with a free shuttle to the festival provided by The Monkey Bus. In previous years, MCAT bus service was available from G.T. Bray Park to the festival. Due to the construction on Cortez Road, that service will not be available this year.
Entertainment
SATURDAY, FEB. 15
10-11 a.m. Shanty Singers
11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sycamore Shade
1-2 p.m. Introduction and Fishermen’s
Fashion Show
2-4 p.m. Eric Von Band
4:30-6 p.m. Karen and Jimmy Band (KJB)
SUNDAY, FEB. 16
10:30 a.m. to noon The Music on the Porch Gang
Noon to 2 p.m. Soul-R-Coaster
2:30-4 p.m. Jason Haram
4:30-5:30 p.m. Eric Von
