Flora-Bama Mullet Toss back for another weekend of sun, fun and flinging fish
On the last full weekend in April, it may appear to be business as usual at the front of Flora-Bama Lounge & Package, but don’t be fooled.
The 38th Annual Interstate Mullet Toss will truly be a party in the back at this beloved beach bar in Perdido Key.
“It’s always a great time and fun to watch,” Flora-Bama Director of Marketing and Public Relations Jenifer Parnell said. “It’s the greatest beach party on the Gulf Coast, and it keeps getting bigger.
Traditionally held on the last full weekend in April, the Interstate Mullet Toss is known to bring in crowds as big as 30,000 to the Florida and Alabama line. This year’s event is set for April 28-30.
“It’s also for a great cause,” Parnell said. “All proceeds from the event will go back to local youth charities and programs within the Community Drug & Alcohol Council.”
On average, the Interstate Mullet Toss reels in more than $40,000 for local charities and organizations in Florida and Alabama. In addition to fundraising, all of the mullet is also donated to feed the alligators at Alligator Alley or the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo.
If you’re interested in participating in this year’s event, you must sign a waiver and register on the beach and mark your category. From there, for $20, children and adults of all ages can toss a mullet down from a 10 foot-long circle across the state line and a down a 200-foot course. All tossers receive a T-shirt. The kids contest will kick things off each day at 10 a.m., with awards at 2 p.m. Adults will throw from noon to 4 p.m., with awards at 4:30 p.m.
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Sounds easy enough, right? Not so fast.
“I’ve seen so many methods through the years,” Parnell said. “But what works is to fold the fish and throw it like a football. It really makes a big difference in how far it’ll go.”
It may also be tempting to rub sand on the mullet or use gloves to hurl it forward. Those hacks are not allowed and throwing the mullet outside of the 10-foot circle will automatically disqualify you from advancing forward into the finals.
In addition to the main event, there will also be live entertainment across all stages, hot body contests and a crawfish boil.
But the key is to get there early. Parking will be limited and parking in condo lots or along the side of the road is highly discouraged. Starting at 9 a.m., the cover charge for entry is $10 for adults over 21, $15 for those ages 16 to 20, and free for those 15 and younger.
For more information, visit florabama.com/mullet-toss or call 251-980-5118.
This article originally appeared on Pensacola News Journal: Mullet Toss 2023: Flora-Bama's annual Perdido Key beach party returns
