CORTEZ – The Florida Institute for Saltwater Heritage (FISH) has released the entertainment schedule for the 44th annual Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival.
On Saturday, Feb. 14, the live music begins at 10 a.m. with the Shanty Singers, followed by Doug Demming & the Jewel Tones at 11:30.
The 1 p.m. introduction and awards ceremony will be followed by the New College Singers and the Fishermen’s Fashion Show. At 2 p.m., The Co-Pilots will perform, followed by Jason Haram from 4:30 to 6 p.m.
On Saturday, Ron Floethe will host a book screening for his parents’ Cortez-themed illustrated book, “The Fisherman and His Boat.”
On Sunday, Feb. 15, Sycamore Shade will perform from 10 to 11:30 a.m., followed by Soul-R-Coaster from noon to 1:30.
At 1:30, there will be a crab-eating contest, followed by the Eric Von Band from 2:30 to 4:30. From 5 to 6 p.m., MOB will perform.
On both Saturday and Sunday, Dock Talks given by members of the Florida Sea Grant organization will be held at the Fulford Fish House. “Tales of Cortez,” with Allen Garner, will be told at the Miller Dock. Photo contest entries will be on display at the A.P. Bell Fish Company.
In addition to live music and educational exhibits, the festival features seafood, arts and crafts and children’s activities. The theme of this year’s festival is “Boat to Market,” reflecting the contributions of local fishermen.
Known as a “party with a purpose,” all proceeds from the festival will go back to the community and help support the restoration and conservation of the 98-acre FISH Preserve at the east end of Cortez village.
The festival will be held both days from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. in front of Star Fish Company Market & Restaurant and the A.P. Bell Fish Company, between 123rd and 124th Street W. in Cortez. Admission is $5 and kids under 12 get in free.
FESTIVAL SIGNS
A team of volunteers gathered at the old Cortez firehouse on Saturday, Feb. 7, to paint the signs to be placed around the Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival. The signs, some whimsical, some inspirational and some featuring the festival theme, “Boat to Market,” are a tradition at the festival that this year will be held Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 14 and 15.
