Florida Seafood Festival returns to Apalachicola for 63rd year

Florida Seafood Festival returns to Apalachicola for 63rd year

FRANKLIN COUNTY, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) - The Florida Seafood Festival kicked off Friday, bringing local food, entertainment, and a celebration of Franklin County’s culture to Apalachicola for its 63rd year.

Located at Battery Park in downtown Apalachicola, visitors can enjoy seafood and other festival favorites while taking in a tradition that brings residents and visitors together on the Forgotten Coast. It is also known as the longest maritime event in Florida.

John Solomon, president of the festival’s volunteer board of directors, said the celebration dates back to 1913, when it was held periodically, and became an annual event in 1963.

“The festival actually started after they built I-10, and it took traffic away from Highway 98 on the coast, so the traffic stopped coming down Highway 98 for travelers,” said Solomon. “So they started doing the festival to attract more people down to Apalachicola and the Forgotten Coast back in the 60s.”

For attendee Tina Saddler, this year’s festival comes with a personal connection.

“I’ll be 63 next Friday, I was born in 1963, and this is 63 years. Isn’t that incredible?” Saddler said.

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