Set on the biggest backyard on Biscayne Bay, the Bay Roots Reggae Band plays their calypso beat, while the colorfully costumed, free spirited Bahamian Junkanoo dancers weave playfully throughout the crowd. Every island celebration needs some fire eating and limbo dancing, and the entertainment at the Dearing Seafood Festival offers that and more. Also, back by popular demand is the crowd-pleasing band, Mr. Nice Guy.

Under the big top tent local celebrity chefs conduct cooking demonstrations, and share their unique recipes and impart culinary advice. Carole Kotkin, syndicated columnist for The Miami Herald food section, is the emcee, while delectable samples of seafood dishes are being prepared by Sean Bernal (Oceanaire); Clay Conley (AZUL); Damian Gilchrist (Ocean Reef Club); and Michael Bennett (Bimini Boatyard). Professionally attired culinary students from Robert Morgan Education Center work along side the chefs and offer assistance in food preparation.

Throughout the day seafood markets, restaurants and caterers such as Golden Rule Seafood Market, Whole Foods, Black Point Ocean Grill, Imlee Indian Bistro, Shibui Japanese Restaurant, Iggy's Street Wok, Paella Party, Sports Grill and Gardner's Market prepare an outstanding array of the freshest catch that includes delicious lobster, fried conch, shrimp egg rolls, grilled dolphin, garlic blue crabs and mountains of shrimp that are steamed, fried, or just peel and eat.

While festival goers are enjoying the scrumptious seafood and lively entertainment, some of the other exciting activities include an Artists' Village with original paintings, photography, crafts and jewelry; the Lil' Shrimp Kids Zone for kid-friendly fun; the Squid Squad; pontoon boat rides aboard the Pelican Skipper to Chicken Key; and a limited number of nature hikes and tours of the historic Stone House and Richmond Cottage.

Admission tickets include park entrance and entertainment, Adults $12 in advance online/ $15 at the gate, Children 4-14 year $5, and Foundation Members Free. For more information call 305.235.1668 ext. 263 or visit www.deeringestate.org.  Proceeds from the event benefit the Deering Estate Foundation.

Established in 1989, The Deering Estate Foundation, Inc., is a private nonprofit member based 501(c) 3 Florida Corporation and the philanthropic arm of the Deering Estate at Cutler. Our Board of Directors, members and volunteers are made up of a diverse group of business and community leaders who are dedicated advocates of the Estate and active supporters of education, research, cultural arts, restoration and preservation. The mission of the Deering Estate Foundation is to raise public awareness, outreach, understanding and the enjoyment of the Deering Estate at Cutler and to raise funds to support education, research, exhibits and collections, natural conservation and historical restoration and preservation.

About the Deering Estate at Cutler
The Deering Estate at Cutler, a Miami-Dade County Park, is located at 16701 SW 72 Avenue in Miami. This 444-acre natural and archeological preserve and historic site is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and serves as a center for education, culture and recreation. Historic house tours and natural area tours are offered daily with admission to the Estate. EcoAdventure Tours are also offered throughout the year for an additional fee. For more information on the Deering Estate's educational and cultural programs, please visit www.deeringestate.org.