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Sunshine, Seafood Draws Huge Crowds To Ruskin Festival

Tribune photo by LOIS KINDLE

Folks gather in the center stage pavilion to listen to live entertainment and lunch on seafood and other goodies.

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By LOIS KINDLE | The Tampa Tribune

Published: November 6, 2008

RUSKIN - The gloomy economy failed to dampen the crowds at the 20th annual Ruskin Seafood Festival.

More than 19,000 people attended the two-day event, which organizers said was a huge success.

"From the positive feedback I've received from visitors, vendors and participating organizations, this festival was our best yet," said Melanie Morrison, executive director of the Ruskin Chamber of Commerce. "The energy of the entire event was wonderful. It was a great way for family and friends to make memories together."

"We're just eating our way though," said Kathy Malloy, as she tried on a crab-shaped hat given her by an employee of the Suncoast Schools Federal Credit Union. "I wish they had something like this in Sarasota."

Morrison said she was especially pleased to have so many local food vendors this year. They included the Island Bar & Grille and Fat D's, both of Apollo Beach; Don's Homemade Ice Cream of Gibsonton; and Maui Wowi, Mullet Shack, Hydro Harvest Farms, Sandy Buns and South Shore Rotary, all of Ruskin.

But it wasn't only the food court vendors who drew large crowds.

Among the numerous nonprofit group's this year were Zoo Ventures from Tampa's Lowry Park Zoo; Sarasota's Mote Marine Laboratory; Humane Society of Tampa Bay; Greyhound Gang of Florida; Croc Encounters; Elmira's Wildlife Sanctuary and the Critter Adoption and Rescue Effort.

"The festival provides an inexpensive way for vendors to make money by reaching large audiences and nonprofits the opportunity to increase their exposure," Morrison said. "It's also a fun way for people to learn about what the community has to offer.

About 100 volunteers worked during the festival, she said.

"Without them, this festival wouldn't be possible."

2008 FESTIVAL COMMITTEE
Sherrell Bennett, Ruth Benoit, Larry and Vickie Bruni, Paul Caldorni, Len Gamble, Chris Girard, Jennie Harris, Jim Johnson, Brandy Knowles, Jennifer McCafferty, Brenda Raybrook, Joel Meek, Melanie Morrison, Denise Reiter, Joel and Jackie Rosenberg, Ron Simpson, John and Penny Smith, Lynn Stephen, Linda Thiffault, Patti Thornton, Tony Zipperer, John Lawson, Donna Allmond and Lisa McCorkle

Lois Kindle can be reached at (813) 865-1553.

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