2009 Mighty Mullet Maritime Festival to Feature Cook-Off Competition, Fishy Fashion Show, and Family Fun

The Fourth Annual Mighty Mullet Maritime Festival is coming up on Saturday, Oct. 3, and it's not to be missed!  The Cook-Off will feature innovative mullet dishes and offer prize money of $150, $100, and $50.  These prizes can be won by creative non-professionals, so dig out your favorite recipes and start rattling those pots and pans! 

The all-day festival will begin at 10 a.m. at Panacea's Wooley Park, just off Coastal Highway 98 on Dickerson Bay. Parking is free and admission is only $3 per person and free for children 12 and under.

Folks can learn how to prepare Fresh Florida Seafood from Florida's State Chef, Justin Timinari, who will demonstrate his winning techniques, while Atlanta food and wine columnist, Doc Lawrence, provides guidance on the perfect wine paring.

Another main attraction is the hilarious Fishy Fashion show, whose artistic creator, Joan Matey, fashions "found beach objects" into wearable art for local celebs who strut their stuff along the festival's runway.

This action-packed day has it all:  maritime history reenactors, displays and presentations, arts and crafts vendors, toe-tapping live music, the crowning of a Festival King and Queen, and (for children) toy boat building, white boot races, live sea encounters, rides, and much more.  Kayaks will be available to glide along the marshes, and be sure to come hungry, because mullet and all he rest of our great local seafood will be served up by some of the best Big Bend restaurants and food vendors.

Bill Lowrie, Festival Director, said the event "…is being planned as a day for the entire family to celebrate our Big Bend heritage with food, music, and maritime activities."

Proceeds from the Festival will benefit the Big Bend Maritime Center, a living museum to be situated next to Woolley Park to preserve and honor the maritime heritage of the Big Bend, from Cedar Key to Apalachicola.  National, state, and local dignitaries will be on hand to dedicate the site officially during the Festival.

For further information and to obtain Sponsorship, Vendor, and Cook-Off Rules and Registration Forms, visit www.mightymullet.com or contact Bill Lowrie at 850/984-0662.