Coral and black stone crab claws with mustard sauce… fresh lobster tails… fried fillets of mahi mahi… steamed and spiced Key West pink shrimp… ceviche and fritters of conch… all these prized sea creatures, and many more, are caught locally in the waters around Marathon in the Florida Keys, and they’ll all be available (along with lots of ice-cold beer) at the 39th annual Original Marathon Seafood Festival on March 14th and 15th. If you love fresh, local seafood this is one festival you want to get to eventually.

Stone crab claws are certainly the most beautiful, and likely the most spendy, shellfish around.

Stone crab claws are certainly the most beautiful, and likely the most spendy, shellfish around. Bags of them are available for purchase on your way out of the festival.

When you need a little breather to regain your appetite you can inspect the wares from dozens of vendors, catch some of the live musical performances scheduled throughout both days, or head for the rides and games. Check out the artist village and art show, and the boat show. Witness the F-18 flyover. Enter a raffle for great prizes.

There will be plenty of locally caught pink shrimp, freshly-steamed and iced.

There will be plenty of locally caught pink shrimp, freshly steamed and iced.

The seafood festival is held at Marathon Community Park on Boot Key Harbor. Admission is $5, and kids under 10 are free. For more information, see the festival website.

Save a little room for a wedge of Key Lime pie!

Save a little room for a wedge of Key Lime pie!