For Immediate Release

Contact Info:
Judy Hull
Executive Director
Islamorada Chamber of Commerce
305-664-4503

2010 Platinum Platter Award, Kaiyo

View More "Taste of the Islands" Winner Photos

See more Island Fest photos on the official Island Fest Facebook page.

THREE CHEERS FOR ISLAND FEST!

It’s unanimous! The 19th Annual Florida Keys Island Fest was a roaring success and the Chamber’s best event yet! On Saturday and Sunday, April 10 & 11, Founders Park was the place to be for art, music, food and family fun. Thousands of festival-goers agree that Island Fest was the best event held so far this year in the Florida Keys.

Each spring, the Islamorada Chamber of Commerce hosts this highly-anticipated, wildly popular weekend event and this year, fans were not disappointed. The exhibits were extraordinary, the music was fantastic and the food was delectable! Everyone was delighted by the fun, new addition of the Giant Human Hamster Balls. All that and picture-perfect weather created a truly remarkable and wonderfully successful Island Fest!

In keeping with tradition, Island Fest gave out many coveted awards to top artists and crafters, as well as to local bars and restaurants. This year, the award for Best of Show went to William Cantwell. “It was a very nice affair and I’m grateful to receive this award,” he says. Congratulations William! Most Creative Artisan was granted to Dianne Paolucci and Rick Fortner. Dianne says, “I was absolutely floored because there were so many fantastic artists with fantastic artwork. For me to win, I was very, very honored.” Congrats to both Dianne and Rick!

The mouth-watering award of Best Appetizer was presented to Island Grill for their delicious Shrimp Nachos. Best Entrée recipient was Kaiyo for a Macadamia Hogfish with Mango Sauce. Hungry Tarpon received both the Best Dessert Award for their Tropical Mango Key Lime Pie, as well as Best Decorated. The Taste of the Island’s most prestigious award, the Platinum Platter, was won by Kaiyo. Good job everyone!

Island Fest would not be complete without its famous Smoked Fish Dip Contest. This year, the People’s Choice Award went to Tasters Grille & Market, and the Judge’s Choice Award was given to MA’s Fish Camp. Last, but certainly not least, the Isla Marauder Award! Tavernier Elks Lodge 1872 walked away with the People’s Choice Award, and Holiday Isle Beach Resort’s run punch won the Judge’s Choice Award. Well done!

The Islamorada Chamber of Commerce would like to thank everyone who contributed in making the 19th Annual Florida Keys Island Fest such a memorable event! Thanks to all the gifted artists and crafters who shared their work with us, and thanks to our talented musicians who entertained the crowds throughout the weekend. Many thanks to the local bars and restaurants who kept everyone’s bellies full! We would like to thank our sponsors and the many, many visitors who attended this year. We couldn’t have done any of it without all of you. See you next year!