35th Annual Ruskin Seafood Festival: Thousands Gather for Food and Community

A Celebration of Seafood and Community

• 🎯 The 35th annual Ruskin Seafood Festival attracted an estimated 20,000 attendees over the weekend.
• 💡 Visitors came seeking delicious seafood and the opportunity to try different varieties.
• 📌 The festival highlights the unique offerings of the growing Ruskin community, which has seen its population nearly double in the last 5 years.

Preserving Small Town Charm

• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 The event aims to maintain the small-town feeling despite rapid community growth.
• 🦀 Local businesses like Sweet Tea Tiki Bar, owned by fifth-generation Ruskin residents Earl and his wife, are integral to this effort.
• 💬 Festival organizers and vendors enjoy connecting with both long-time residents and newcomers to the area.

Festival Highlights and Offerings

• 🍤 Attendees can experience traditional local favorites, such as the "devil crab", reminiscent of the area's past.
• 🎶 Local entertainment was featured, with Tampa Bay 28's own present on Saturday.
• 🍽️ Day two of the festival runs from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM, encouraging visitors to come hungry to sample the diverse food options.