When I think of all the epic events and festivals that occur annually in the South, NONE stand out as a better time than the Mullet Toss that takes place each spring at the legendary “Flora-Bama.” I’m struggling with how to properly describe The Flora-Bama Lounge. Okay, picture a beach bar/ honkytonk that literally sits on the state line between Orange Beach, Al. and Perdido Key, Fla. Lemme try again. Imagine Ocean Annies at Myrtle Beach, only times 100. For just about every kid in Alabama, your first trip to the Flora-Bama is a rite of passage. In 2004, the bar took a direct hit from Hurricane Ivan. It was feared that it could not recover. However, The Flora-Bama rallied like so many have rallied within its walls.
For those of us who LOVE a good beach party, if you’ve never been to The Mullet Toss, YOU’RE missing out on a rite of passage. The World Famous Interstate Mullet Toss is where people from all-over descend upon this legend and pay money to literally toss a mullet fish from a ten-foot circle in Florida across the state line into Alabama.
Winning tosses are usually in excess of 150 feet. Imagine tossing a fish 50 yards? You’re essentially the Patrick Mahomes of fish throwing. In addition to being an unreal excuse to party, The Mullet Toss also makes a lot of money for local people in need and charities. Additional events at the Mullet Toss include the “Polar Bear Dip,” the “Mullet Man Triathlon,” “Super Bowl Chili Cook-off”, “Shindig on the Sand”, “Flora-Bama Fishing Rodeo” and “Bulls on the Beach”.
The Craziest Festivals You Can Attend In North Carolina and Elsewhere
I’ve always said the most fun I’ve ever had at any fair or festival was the first time I attended the “Woolly Worm Festival” in Banner Elk.
Literally, you have people drinking, eating, and gambling at the speed of a fuzzy worm (see above pic) racing up a string. Just thinking about it now, I start laughing. Totally, preposterous fun. However, Banner Elk’s pride and joy are just the tip of the crazy festival iceberg.
