New Mel Fisher Days Events Offer Fun, Romance and Adventure for a Great Cause

Every summer a multi-day celebration is held in honor of Mel Fisher, a man who pursued his dreams and discovered a fortune in treasure in the seas off Key West, inspiring millions to follow their own dreams and earning him the title of The World’s Greatest Treasure Hunter. This summer’s Mel Fisher Days are set for July 10-13 and will feature a treasure-trove of events ranging from the educational to the adventurous.

Festivities kick off Thursday, July 10, 11-1 pm, with a “meet the crew” Diver Reunion dock party and book signing. For the first time since the 1980’s the 100’ salvage vessel JB Magruder will dock at the Historic Seaport, just behind Schooner Wharf Bar, 202 William Street. Visitors are invited to meet current crew and alumni divers. Evening brings a swashbuckling great time with a PirateCon Pub Crawl and Pirate Ball.

On Friday, between 10 and 2 pm, sign on for one of four exclusive tours of the Mel Fisher’s Treasures private conservation lab at 200 Greene Street (space limited). Friday evening rolls out a treasure-hunters dream come true, as the Amazing Mel Fisher Treasure Hunt takes place on land with teams following clues and solving riddles to claim a treasure chest filled with $ 5,000 in US silver dollars, to be awarded at the Mel Fisher Days Sizzlin’ Street Fair on Saturday.

An annual favorite, the Mel Fisher Days Street Fair takes place Saturday from 11am-9pm along the 200 block of Duval, and features an extravagant silent auction, wet & wild dunk tank, games for the kids, food vendors from the hottest spots in town and a free concert headlined by the Spam Allstars.

During Saturday’s street fair the Tropic Cinema will show a series of heirloom family videos of Fisher’s early treasure diving adventures, never before been shown in public, with the annual Mel Fisher Lifetime Achievement Award to be presented just before the 2pm showing. This year, the family of one of the “Grandfathers” of treasure hunting, the late ‘Sir’ Bert Kilbride, will accept the award on his behalf.

Sunday brings Booty Bingo & BBQ Brunch at Charlie Mac’s, back by popular demand with a hilarious rendition of everyone’s favorite game played for fabulous prizes, including real treasure, and a Bloody Mary Bar and delicious all you can eat buffet. Sunday night’s adventures take to the high seas with the annual Midnight Gambler Poker Tournament on board the Sunset Watersports Party Cat. With a limited number of spaces, players will compete for treasure prizes to be awarded to the top four.

During the 16-year search for the Nuestra Senora de Atocha, Key West embraced Mel, his family and crew, and supported them when others did not. Now his namesake company, Mel Fisher’s Treasures, is committed to giving back to the island community he called home. 100% of Mel Fisher Days net proceeds benefit Wesley House Family Services, a not for profit organization whose mission is to promote and enhance the safety, well-being and development of children by educating, supporting and meeting the needs of families. “Mel Fisher’s legacy is part of the life-blood of Key West,” commented Jeremy Wilkerson, Education Coordinator for Wesley House, “and Wesley House Family Services is honored to share in celebrating this legacy and thankful to be the recipient of Mel Fisher Days event proceeds, which will provide crucial support to child welfare and family preservation throughout the Florida Keys.”

Fisher’s eldest son, Kim, President and CEO of Mel Fisher’s Treasures commented, “I look forward to these events every year. It’s our chance to give back; I truly respect everything that the folks at the Wesley House are able to provide for our community. With everyone’s support we hope to raise even more money than last year for them, so join us for a little fun, romance and adventure. As we say, Today’s the Day!”

For a full Mel Fisher Days schedule and to advance register for premier events visit www.MelFisherDays.com