Mel Fisher Days in Key West July 17-20
July 15th, 2008
Key West, Florida Keys - The late Mel Fisher, one of the 20th century’s best-known shipwreck salvors, is to be honored with a Key West festival that also commemorates the 23rd anniversary of his most famous find.
Mel Fisher Days is set to begin Thursday, July 17, and continue through Sunday, July 20 — the anniversary of Fisher’s discovery of the shipwrecked Spanish treasure galleon Nuestra Señora de Atocha in the waters off Key West.
Fisher and his Treasure Salvors crew uncovered a huge cache of Atocha treasure and artifacts, hailed by the world press as the shipwreck find of the 20th century, in 1985 after a 16-year search. The galleon was wrecked during a 1622 hurricane approximately 35 miles southwest of Key West.
History aficionados can view Atocha artifacts and treasures at Key West’s Mel Fisher Maritime Museum, 200 Greene St., operated by the Mel Fisher Maritime Heritage Society that Fisher established in 1982. Objects on display include gold and silver bars and coins, rare navigational instruments, cannons and smaller weapons, religious and secular jewelry and even a 77.7-carat emerald.
Fisher’s descendents, including his son Kim Fisher and grandson Sean Fisher, lead the continuing search for Atocha artifacts and treasures still lost in Florida Keys waters. Recent discoveries include a 23-karat gold bar weighing several pounds.
The Fisher family and friends present Mel Fisher Days activities each year to celebrate the legendary salvor’s accomplishments, unquenchable optimism and exuberant zest for life.
Events are to begin at 6 p.m. Thursday, July 17, when those intrigued by the Atocha adventure are invited to meet at the Schooner Wharf Bar overlooking the water at 202 William St. The kick-off gala is to include games, contests, live music and raffles — with at least one Atocha coin presented to a lucky participant.
The following afternoon at approximately 5 p.m. plans call for a Mel Fisher Days parade through a portion of Key West’s historic Old Town. The procession is to consist of floats, a fire truck, pedicabs and other assorted vehicles, with a route leading from the museum to Rick’s Bar, 208 Duval St.
A subsequent “hard times party,” recalling the salvors’ lean years before the shipwreck find, is to begin at Rick’s and follow a “pub crawl” format to Key West establishments that were favorite Fisher hangouts.
The Mel Fisher Days celebration also is to feature a Midnight Gambler Texas Hold ‘Em Poker Tournament aboard Sunset Watersports’ Party Cat catamaran. Top poker players can win authentic coins from the Atocha and other shipwrecks during the July 19 event. Reservations are required, and attendees should arrive at 8:15 p.m. to board the vessel at 201 William St. The boat will depart at 9 p.m. and return at 2 a.m.
Cost is $100 per person for the boat ticket and initial tournament buy-in, while nonplayers can enjoy the excursion for $60 per person. For reservations, call Star at (305) 295-7929.
An unquestioned Mel Fisher Days highlight is the annual reunion of the “golden crew” who worked with Fisher in his search for the Atocha. The reunion is to take place Sunday, July 20, the anniversary of the long-awaited discovery. Events are scheduled for 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Dante’s Restaurant & Raw Bar, 951 Caroline St. overlooking Key West Harbor.
The poker tournament and other Mel Fisher Days events benefit the Michael Christopher Abt Jr. Have a Heart Foundation, named for Fisher’s late grandson. The funds are used to purchase automatic external defibrillators for Florida schools and train personnel in their operation.
For more information about Mel Fisher Days, visit www.melfisher.com or call Sharon Wiley at (305) 296-6534.
For lodging information in Key West, contact the Key West Chamber of Commerce at 1-800-LAST-KEY (800-527-8539), or visit the Keys Web site at www.fla-keys.com.
