In the 1930s life was difficult; sustaining a living and keeping house was costly and education seemed like an unaffordable luxury. Schools were closing their doors because there was no pay for the teachers. While some staff stayed on and worked for trade, communities knew something had to change. One such pioneer was Captain Kenneth Merry; who felt education was a necessity and wanted to have it available for every child regardless of the cost, especially his three young children.
Living on the shores of Pass a Grille community in St. Pete Beach Florida, Captain Merry made it his mission to keep the local schools alive. He thought if he could use his resources and efforts then he could raise money and keep the education system running. His daughter Shirley Linch, remembers the day 84 years ago when her father decided to start the historic Fish Broil and Mullet Festival. “He saw a problem and said we’ve got to fix it..people were very poor and the schools needed money. So Mother sold the tickets and Daddy cut down the trees and cooked the fish.”
As a fisherman in the area, captain Merry decided to use his catch of mullet and sell tickets to a dinner and invite the community. Shirley recalls that it was not only success it was a lot of fun. She says, “people couldn’t wait for the fish broil.”
Year after year her father continued the tradition of seasoning the bed springs, cutting the trees, catching the mullet and serving the dinners to raise money for education and to keep the Sunshine School doors open. Shirley’s parents along with herself and her two brothers would help out and other parents from the school would bring dishes like scallop potatoes and coleslaw. “I can see momma now selling the tickets and brother helping with the springs to get them in place. It was a wonderful school and a wonderful tradition.”
The event continues each year in Pass a Grille. On November 15, 2014 from 2-7 in Hurley Park you can be part of that tradition. Event coordinator Karla Hollan says, “we still keep Captain Merry’s goal as our mission: bringing the community together to raise money for children’s education. We use seasoned bed springs and fresh mullet, and we are still having fun!”
This year’s activities include a fun zonewith activities for all ages and kids can create a fish print to take home or have their face painted. There will be live music, entertainment, beer and wine, an auction and of course everyone can enjoy a wonderful fresh fish dinner. The festivities will wrap up with a beach bon fire at 7pm. Be sure to come out for an afternoon and evening of family fun and entertainment and tradition. General Park Admission is free.
For more information on the Fish Broil Visit: www.fishbroil.com
Like PAG Fish Broil at: https://www.facebook.com/fishbroil