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Sat. & Sun., Feb. 21-22 • 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Get ready for two unique days of fun and family entertainment along the historic and picturesque shoreline of Cortez. If you love seafood and want to savor a taste of Florida’s history, don’t miss the Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival.

The Festival is a special event: visitors will be welcomed to help Cortezians celebrate their love of marine life and pride in their heritage. Festival goers will enjoy a variety of live entertainment, music, clog dancing, boat rides, marine life exhibits, plenty of delicious seafood, and the beautiful vista from the Cortez shoreline will provide a day you won’t soon forget. You will also be treated to a nautical Arts and Crafts Show and tours and displays on local marine life and the commercial fishing industry.

Don’t forget your camera. Magnificent bird life abounds and the marine life touch tank always results in squeals of delight and discovery for children of all ages.

All Festival proceeds are committed to purchasing 95 acres of mangrove wetlands immediately east of the village — the FISH Preserve. This area is one of the last few undeveloped shorelines found in Sarasota Bay. Come on out for a wonderful day and, at the same time, provide your support for helping your community protect the health of bay waters.

The Festival is easy to find. Just head west toward the beaches on Cortez Road, you can’t miss it (12306 46th Ave., Bradenton, 34215). Admission is $2, children under 12 free. Offsite parking available at Sugg Middle School (3801 59th St. W) or Coquina Beach Bayside with shuttle bus to Cortez ($2 round trip). Additional parking will be available east of the village off of Cortez Road (10 minute walk). www.cortezfishingfestival.org. For more info call John Stevely 941-722-4524.