Marathon Seafood Festival Program will be coming in the mail soon!
The Marathon Seafood Festival is the 2nd largest FL Keys event with over 20,000 attendees & growing every year.
The Marathon Seafood Festival is the premier event for great/fresh seafood and entertainment in the Florida Keys. Bring the whole family for two days and also enjoy great cuisine, entertainment, and fun!
We have our Official Program ready! Check it out!
We hope you, your family, and friends will join us in this 43-year tradition we call the Original Marathon Seafood Festival. March 9-10, 2019 at Marathon Community Park here in the Islands of Marathon!
Event Hours are as follows: 2019 Event Dates/Times
Saturday, March 9th: 10:00AM – 9:00PM
Sunday, March 10th: 11:00AM – 5:00PM
The Original Marathon Seafood Festival is truly a family-friendly event; featuring fresh-caught local keys seafood at amazing prices, cold beverages for adults and kids, live entertainment the entire weekend, over 220+ vendors to satisfy all your shopping needs, as well as an expanded boat show, and plenty of rides and games for children.
Admission is only $5/person and kids under 12 are free! (We anticipate having handicapped parking available inside the park)
The Original Marathon Seafood Festival began in 1976 as a way for local Marathon and Middle Keys commercial fishermen and their families to “kick-back” and also enjoy the fruits of their labor.
The inaugural seafood festival humbly began in the parking lot where Publix Supermarket now resides in the center of Marathon. Fresh fish was fried and prepared as well as delicious Florida lobster, oysters, stone crab, and many other locally caught seafood products were served. To date, the festival has grown into the Florida Keys 2nd largest annual event. Boasting over 20,000 hungry and also thirsty guests each year. The event is still co-organized by the Organized Fishermen of Florida (Marathon Chapter) as well as the Greater Marathon Chamber of Commerce. Collectively, both non-profit organizations put over $75,000 in event proceeds back into our community via charitable contributions, donations, and scholarships for local Middle keys students.
***If you would like to be an important part of this great event, consider volunteering to work a booth. You will receive a FREE t-shirt and also FREE admission the day you volunteer! Contact Erika at (305) 743-5417 / Erika@FloridaKeysMarathon.com.
We hope to see you, your family, and friends at our 2019 Original Marathon Seafood Festival March 9-10! Sea you soon at the Seafood Fest!
CONTACT US for more information!
November CEO Newsletter
November is here! Believe or not we are approaching the holiday season and New Year’s! We also recently held our annual Awards Banquet and I am glad to say that we sold out with over 320 members in attendance! We had a wonderful time, some laughs, danced, gave out awards, and said goodbye and hello to Board members. I am honored to announce your newly elected Marathon Chamber of Commerce Board Directors for 2018: Steve Hurley (Chairman), Mike Kiraly (Chair-Elect), Sara Mathis (Secretary), Patrick Stevens, Greg Konrath, Jeff Smith, and Yunior Rodriguez. I would also like to recognize and thank Hawks Cay Resort for hosting us, my amazing staff (Jeanine and Erika), chamber ambassadors, and the chamber awards committee who all played a pivotal role in our banquet’s success.
As it relates to our banquet, we hold our annual BIG Raffle Contest that culminates at the event. This year’s winner was Ron Snyder, whose family used to own Herbies for many years (recently sold it about five years ago). When I called Ron to inform him of the great news, he was happy but insisted on having his prize go to helping the Chamber and our community. So rather than choosing one of the vacations or the $2,000 cash option, Ron said to keep the $2,000 cash option and put it to something good. After getting direction from my Board Executive Committee, we decided to add $2,000 to our annual Marathon High School Scholarships. On top of the $5,000 we typically contribute/ award, in 2019 that amount will now be $7,000! Ron also asked that these extra scholarships be in his mother’s name, Gay Neth Snyder. I really am honored to share this story and good news with you all. Really goes to show that even our former Marathon Chamber members and business owners are still contributing and wanting Marathon to be its best.
Lastly, I want to acknowledge and thank three of our Board members who termed off the Board this year. They truly made a positive difference for your Marathon Chamber and personally for me in their direction and leadership: TJ Patterson (Past Chair), Sheila Cook (Past Secretary), and also Matt Lawrence (Director). Thank you TJ, Sheila, and Matt for your time and dedication; it was truly an honor to work for and with each of you!
Please always know your Marathon Chamber Board of Directors, staff, and I are all committed to working for and with you and also your business. Please be sure to get involved in our beneficial programs; ask questions, and put your Marathon Chamber to work for you. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday later this month; be safe in your travels! Be sure to wait at least 3-4 hours to drive after eating all that turkey and stuffing!
Most Respectfully, Daniel Samess, M.S.
CEO Greater Marathon Chamber of Commerce
(305) 743-5417 ceo@floridakeysmarathon.com
Before you dive into some pumpkin pie, join HDM as we dive into the Mediterranean Sea in search of a lost WWII naval ship! November’s Immerse Yourself speaker, Chris Kraska will take guests on the search to find the Polish naval ship his father was stationed on.
Chris’ father was a seaman in the Polish Navy and served aboard several ships in combat. It included the escort destroyer ORP Kujawiak. While running missions off the coast of Malta during Operation Harpoon in June 1942, the Kujawiak heard a distress call from another vessel. When the Kujawiak went to assist, it too struck an underwater mine and sank to its demise. For decades the ship’s exact location in the Mediterranean was unknown. In 2014, Chris was part of a multi-national team of divers and archaeologists in conjunction with the University of Malta. That located his father’s ship. Over the next few years, they returned to the site, making several dives to map the wreckage and document the condition. In 2017, the team raised the ship’s bell for conservation and also a display at the Maritime Museum of Malta.
Chris is a marine archaeologist, divemaster and underwater photographer with hundreds of dives in warm waters as well as on Lake Erie. He is a member of numerous maritime archaeology organizations as well as the Explorers Club and Royal Geographical Society. His archaeological work has taken him around the world, including excavation on the wreck believed to be the “Lake Serpent” in Lake Erie. Chris splits his time between Florida and Ohio with his wife Laurie.
The History of Diving Museum is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that is opened 7 days a week from 10 am to 5 pm. Divers and non-divers alike are amazed by over 4,000 years of “man’s quest to explore under the sea”. Check out DivingMuseum.org to find out about speakers, upcoming events, group discounts, or private tours. The facility is also available for private meetings and events. Email us to find out more: programs@divingmuseum.org
The Immerse Yourself! Series, ongoing on the third Wednesday of every month since opening in 2005, is a FREE presentation open to the public. Museum members can call ahead to reserve a seat. Not a member? We invite you to join and help support educational outreach like the Immerse Yourself! series and also other special programming. Join today and make a difference!
Speaker Chris Kraska with recovered Kujawiak bell
ORP Kujawiak
Better Than Most Watersports
Specializing in Florida Keys Watersports. Paddleboard/Kayak rentals, snorkeling, SCUBA diving, and sunset cruises. Come play on and underwater!
Whether you are a single player, multiplayer, or just a player, this year’s theme is sure to get your cranium creating some costume ideas. Become your favorite game show host, bring to life your childhood board games, or transport yourself into your most loved netherworld. The ideas are endless, so roll the dice on your favorite game to play and meet us in Key West for a game worth playing!
Fantasy Fest is an annual 10-day party in paradise for grown-ups. Started in 1979 by a small group of Key West locals, the party was created to bring visitors to the island in what was a typically quiet, but beautiful season. It worked. Fantasy Fest has grown every year since its inception and is now the wildest extravaganza around! Fun-loving revelers from around the globe bring their creativity and imaginations as they descend upon Key West each year in October for 10 days filled with costuming, parades, libations, and also excitement!
Fantasy fest
Welcome new member to the Marathon Chamber of Commerce!
OneLife CBD is a supplement derived from the Industrial Hemp plant, in compliance with the Colorado Department of Agriculture, and is legal in all 50 states.
*No medical card required- containing less than .3% THC as law requires.
*Guaranteed purity, potency, and consistency
*100% Made in the USA
*Colorado Grown Hemp
*Vegan *Non-GMO
*Safe for Humans and Pets
*Pharmacist/Chemist Formulated
*Triple ISO Lab Testing/ METRC tagged
MCT, medium chain triglycerides are partially man-made fats. The name refers to the way the carbon atoms are arranged in their chemical structure. MCT’s are generally made by processing coconut and palm kernel oils in the laboratory. Usual dietary fats, by comparison, are long-chain triglycerides. MCT oil is gaining popularity for its many health benefits.
Cannabinoids are fat soluble, meaning they break down and are stored in fat rather than water, making cannabinoids most effective when consumed with fat, increasing their bioavailability.
Saturated fats are important carriers for cannabinoids to be absorbed into the body. Coconut and palm (MCT) oil contain saturated fat at levels close to 80%, giving cannabinoids the fat cells it needs to move through the body, encouraging faster processing and also use by the endocannabinoid system.
Specifically, coconut oil contains medium-chain triglycerides or fatty acids. Using coconut oil or other products that contain medium-chain triglycerides (MCT oils) triggers a relatively rapid release of cannabinoids when compared to other oils because MCT oils are directly metabolized into energy by the liver.
For anyone concerned about blood sugar levels, inflammation, and fat burning, MCT provides a host of benefits — especially when combined with cannabidiol (CBD). It is perfect for making Bullet Proof Coffee, or refreshing smoothies. Using MCT oil instead of Hemp Seed Oil helps to make our product have a longer shelf-life. MCT oil is known for having antimicrobial, antifungal, antiviral properties.
Dive Into Fall with History of Diving Museum’s 13 Year Anniversary
ISLAMORADA, September 26, 2018 – The History of Diving Museum is excited to celebrate its 13th anniversary with Monroe County residents this October!
Have you driven past the History of Diving Museum (HDM) and always told yourself, “I need to stop in there some time?” Considered a “hidden gem” by many, the Museum is inviting locals of the Florida Keys to not just drive by, but dive in by offering a discounted rate on memberships. All packages will be reduced by $13 through October 31. The standard adult price will be just $37 for a single adult membership, $62 for two adults* and $137 for a family membership* (same household please).
Becoming a member at the Museum has numerous benefits that you can share with family and friends! Receive free admission 362 days of the year for member cardholders, and also 25% discount off additional visitor admissions. Members can reserve seats for the free monthly Immerse Yourself! Presentation series on the 3rd Wednesday of every month at 7pm. Having a membership also means discounted rates or free admission for special events throughout the year. Are you looking for the perfect gift for a diver, marine biologist, Keys history buff, or ocean lover in your life? The Museum store has unique, museum-quality gifts available for all ages, with most items being discounted 10% for members.
You do not have to be a diver to enjoy the Museum; there is something for everyone at HDM. Exhibits focus on topics ranging from marine biology, history, military and also local treasure salvage. The Featured Exhibit changes throughout the year, and also currently focuses on the development of technical diving and rebreathers. The whole family will enjoy scavenger hunts, interactive displays, and also more. HDM is even pet friendly!
The most important factor in becoming a member is how your support helps the Museum and its educational outreach program. Throughout the year, the Museum works to provide outreach to 4th grade classes throughout the Keys. Staff and volunteers go to the schools to teach, inspire, and also foster new ideas about how people interact with the underwater world around us. Your membership helps the Museum to provide such unique learning experiences. Visit the Museum in person or go to DivingMuseum.org to sign up to become a member!
The History of Diving Museum is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that opened in 2005. It is located in Islamorada (MM83) and is a must see for anyone traveling along the Overseas Highway. Divers and also non-divers alike are amazed by over 4,000 years of “man’s quest to explore under the sea.” Become a Member today and support special programming. Check out DivingMuseum.org to find out more or email programs@divingmuseum.org for details.
###
The History of Diving Museum
The Story of Man’s Quest to Explore Under the Sea
82990 Overseas Hwy – MM 83
Islamorada, FL 33036
Phone 305-664-9737 Fax 305-664-9736
Call or Email Barbara McKee 1-305-289-6499 mckeebarbara1@gmail.com, Book Today!
© 2019 Greater Marathon Chamber of Commerce
Theme by Anders Noren — Up ↑
