The weekend — November 3-4 — will have Civil War re-enactors as well (both sides), and Spanish American War aficionados who will more than happily talk about the island's role in the war. Want to know more about the island's history and why it was built, or the brick streets on the island? This is the weekend to head to the island and ask those questions.
On Saturday, there's also a silent auction, and on both days the island's weekend-long party will include local artists, folk music from the Egmont Key Shanty Singers, kids games and hot dogs (Egmont Key sympathizers say they're the best on the island, and we'd like to point out they're also likely the only hot dogs on the island). Like-minded eco-groups from across Tampa Bay will be there with exhibits on everything from the USS Narcissus to Florida's flag history. They'll also have self-guided tours, and guided walking tours that cover topics like military history, the nature and animals of the key, Fort Dade history and beach dynamics.
Presentations both days will include talks about migratory birds, Egmont Key birds, sea grasses, shorebirds, gopher tortoises, sea turtles and native plants found on Egmont Key.
Have kids? There will be games for them as well as a fossil pit at the Guard house. Hey, wonder if they'll let adults play in the fossil pit? Sounds kinda cool.
Discover the Island | Egmont Key State Park | Nov. 3-4, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. (Last ferry leaves Fort DeSoto at 2 p.m.; | $25; $15, ages 12-18; $10, ages 6-11; free, under 6 (all ticket prices include ferry to and from the island)
This article appears in Oct 4-11, 2018.