Seafood Festival at Field Manor offers a taste of Old Florida

Brevard residents have a penchant for seafood, given the number of fish frys and similar events that are popular along this 72-mile stretch of Florida.

“Events like this were held all over Brevard, with many of the villages and settlements gathering to celebrate with each other,” said Korinn Braden, director of Field Manor, the historic Merritt Island homestead where the Field family often gathered with friends and neighbors. Now a museum, Field Manor continues the Field’s tradition of hospitality with its annual seafood festival from 3 to 7 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 7.

Back in the day, fried mullet, accompanied by oysters and clams, comprised the menu. The upcoming banquet is a bit different, with mullet being replaced by tilapia filet, teriyaki shrimp, a crawfish étouffée and a serving of fried fish, plus slaw. And, yes, oysters on the half shell will also be served.

It's fall festival season! Here's where to enjoy Brevard's best fairs and festivals

What else is going on this weekend? Here are our top picks for Oct. 6-12

There's plenty to do: 90 fun things to do in Brevard in October, from outdoor festivals to Halloween haunts

The festival also features a silent auction, museum and packing house tours and live music. Proceeds will further the preservation projects at the complex of buildings that reveal what life was like for pioneer citrus growers. Field Manor boasts the only citrus packing house in Brevard available for viewing.

“The ongoing preservation of Field Manor, our packing house and the homestead are crucial to help preserve iconic pieces of Florida’s early settler history,” said Gwen Denninghoff, director of marketing.

The Field family left Bibb County, Ga. in 1867/68 for a new life in Florida, taking advantage of the Homestead Act of 1862. A true pioneer, JR Field 'homesteaded' twice for a total of 320 acres at $1.25 an acre. His brother Sam had 160 acres. Together, they founded Indianola on Merritt Island.

Many generations enjoyed life in the groves, the river, and the sense of community. Through the preservation of the home that housed several generations of the family, Field Manor will continue to tell the story of early pioneer life in Florida.

This year, Field Manor has partnered with the Brevard Humane Society for the special event, so funds raised will also help the Humane Society with the construction of a new animal shelter.

Tickets for the festival include admission, a multi-item seafood sampler, a side of coleslaw, water, lemonade or tea, and a Field Manor drink koozie.

Additional seafood items, plus plenty of non-seafood selections will also be available from participating food vendors. The festival also includes a mini-market showcasing local goods with coastal and animal-related themes.

Not interested in seafood? No problem. Guests who choose not to partake of the seafood sampler can still enjoy the event with a donation that can be made though cash, PayPal and donations of items for the Brevard Humane Society, currently in urgent need of dried and canned and kitten food.

Tickets are $45 at fieldmanor.org. More information can be found at the Seafood Festival web page, as well as on Instagram and Facebook on the Seafood Festival event page.

Field Manor is at 750 Field Manor Drive, Merritt Island.

Whether you're interested in music, theater, festivals or other local entertainment, FLORIDA TODAY has got you covered. Support local journalism by subscribing at Special Offers - USAToday Network.

This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Seafood Festival at Field Manor on Merritt Island on Saturday