PHOTOS: Everglades Seafood Festival goers feast on fish, fun » Naples Daily News

As expected from a seafood festival, the food drew a huge crowd at the annual party in Everglades City.

Skewers of coconut shrimp stood by the dozens alongside 3-inch thick crab cakes and blue crabs. Crawfish and corn on the cob made a colorful display next to stone crabs and traditional Spanish paella with yellow rice, while land lubbers enjoyed items like hamburgers and barbecue.

Along with the usual fare, some were hocking their products. Mike Garner had a booth featuring his culinary spices and he had a line three people deep.

“Deviled eggs, salad, fish, chicken, brisket, hamburgers and French fries — Mike’s All Purpose Seasoning brings the flavor to life!” Garner exclaimed.

His seasoning sales pitch drew attendees away from neighboring booths that included jewelers, clothing and art retailers, pet products and home decorations. He and more than 100 other vendors clamored to serve and sell products to thousands of people attending the event.

Music for the festival was provided by national acts like John Anderson and Confederate Railroad and regional bands including the Down South Rockers, Blackwater, Alcor and Parker. People parked lawn chairs in the audience and got up to dance as their favorite songs rang out from the stage throughout the day.

For many vendors like Garner, participating in festivals like this one in Everglades City is a combination of a tough life on the road and achieving the American dream.

Garner was an air-conditioning technician who started Mike’s All-Purpose Seasoning in his kitchen nine years ago. After bringing his seasonings to work in sandwich bags for co-workers, he expanded. Today he travels all over the country to festivals and has established a customer base that includes fans from as far away as Scotland.

“Goes on everything but cakes, pies, ice cream and cereal,” said Garner, who possesses the magnetic quality of pitchman Billy Mays with the conviction of a chef. Garner shared samplings of his seasonings with passersby, some of whom returned with food they’d purchased from food vendors to add a dash to their entrees. Next week, Garner will be at the Garlic Festival and he’s already planning to return to Everglades City for next year’s event.

An event like the Everglades Seafood Festival doesn’t happen overnight. Months of planning and effort go into producing a festival that feeds and entertains thousands of people.

Terry Huffman and his wife Karen worked in one of the most popular seafood booths where some of the grilled mahi-mahi steaks were nearly two feet long. One customer purchased an entire filet, so large it took two plates to hold it.

“When everyone is partying, we’re working, and when everyone is working, we’re partying,” said Terry Huffman. “It takes a full day to set up our booth for the festival between erecting tents, propane tanks and signage, among other tasks, and another day to tear down.”

The Huffmans, who own Liberty Foods International, are from Hickory, N.C., and pull 12- to 15-hour days during festivals. But the husband and wife team love working together.

“There are a lot of single people who work these festivals, but there are some couples too, and my wife is the most wonderful woman here,” he praised.

The annual seafood festival has being going strong for 37 years and usually takes place on the first full weekend of each February in Everglades City. The festival spans three days and also features carnival rides, arts and crafts.

via www.naplesnews.com