The Destin Seafood Festival Celebrates its 30th Anniversary - October 3rd - 5th, 2008

The first Destin Seafood Festival was held in 1979 on the harbor in Destin, Florida.  The festival was a 1-day event produced by a small group of local women whose husbands were fishermen.  Their goal was to encourage more people to visit the docks, take in the Fishing Rodeo and become interested in the fishing industry.  Festival activities included about 50 arts & crafts booths, a few food booths and some activities for kids.  There was also a flatbed for a stage, where locals provided free entertainment. "The whole town turned out and had fun and helped," said Fran Beaird, one of the first festival's organizers. 

At the end of the second year, the festival was turned over to the Destin Chamber of Commerce as the Ladies Auxiliary realized that the festival was going to outgrow its small group of organizers.

Every year the Seafood Festival has continued to get bigger and better.  The festival site was eventually moved from the Destin Harbor to the Morgan Sports Complex in order to accommodate the expansion of attendees, entertainment and sponsors. Although the move did not impact the festival’s growth and attendance, the community still dreamed and hoped that one day the festival would be able to return to its home of origin - the Destin Harbor.  This year, that dream has come true and the festival will celebrate its 30th anniversary on the harbor.

As the official accommodations sponsor for this event, ResortQuest is offering attendees a 20% discount on vacation rentals at SunDestin Beach Resort.  Discounts are also available at other Destin Condos.  To learn more about ResortQuest's Destin Seafood Festival Accommodations Special ,please visit our Vacation Specials page or call 800-380-4808 and ask about our Destin Seafood Festival special.

The Destin Seafood festival is the kick-off for the month long Destin Fishing Rodeo.