DUCK KEY, Florida Keys — Florida Keys visitors can celebrate chowder power and fritter flavor during the second annual Conchtoberfest, set for Friday through Sunday, Sept. 30 through Oct. 2, at one of Marathon’s premier locations at Duck Key.

A deliciously themed and decorated weekend event, Conchtoberfest includes food, specialty drinks, family activities and games, conch shell blowing contests and live local music entertainment at the Hawks Cay Resort marina, in front of Tom’s Harbor House at 61 Hawks Cay Blvd.

The laid-back Florida Keys lifestyle and all things conch (pronounced conk) are to take center stage with the sights, sounds and smells of the islands’ food favorite. ”Conch” also is a term used to describe native-born islanders, and the Keys are nicknamed the Conch Republic.

Festival hours are 5-10 p.m. Friday, Sept. 30; 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 1, and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 2.

Weekend admission to enjoy food and artisan vendor booths, kids activities and live entertainment is $5 per person per day and includes parking.

Leading up to the main weekend event, the evenings of Saturday through Wednesday, Sept. 24-28, have been dubbed Conchtoberfest Nights. On those evenings, conch celebrants can expect conch-centric specials and themed activities at Marathon eateries.

Event information: www.keysconchtoberfest.com

Marathon visitor information: www.fla-keys.com/marathon or 1-800-262-7284

Social: www.facebook.com/floridakeysandkeywest • twitter.com/thefloridakeys • www.YouTube.com/FloridaKeysTV

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