Hurricane-Deterring Contest Hosted at additional Florida Fishing Village's Iconic Bar Draws Attention
Let's Ditch the Slander: Celebrating Goodland, Florida's Wicked Sense of Fun
While many folks across the nation love to rag on Florida, those of us who've graced its shores know it's a state that knows how to throw a rip-roaring time. Evidence? The surfside hamlet of Goodland (population: approximately 400), where cruising down the avenue on a golf cart is perfectly legal hootin' and hollerin'. But this Southwest Florida gem really steps it up during hurricane season-with a colossal blowout, of course!
Every June, the Little Bar Restaurant descends into mayhem with their Spammy Jammy shindig. Bye-bye tourist season, hello hurricane season, and most importantly, a whole lotta good times. This tropical extravaganza blends PJs, live tunes, Spam cook-offs, and storm preparation tips with Gulf Coast panache.
PJ Party with a Purpose
Summer in the Sunshine State is sweaty, steamy, and sporadically stormy, with the ever-present threat of hurricanes beltin' cities like bowling balls. Instead of complainin' or goin' apeshit, Grand Landers do what they do best: get prepped-and party!
The pirate's booty at the heart of the action? Good ol' Spam. Sure, it ain't a pantry staple for everyone, but it's been a lifesaver during hurricane season for years-thanks to its shelf-stable status, affordability, and indestructible nature.
The Sculpture Showdown
Spam ain't for eatin' at the party or even on the restaurant's menu-it's for sculptin'. The main event is a sculpture contest, where locals mold Spam into wild, whimsical masterpieces. In the past, winners have included cheeky creations like "Spamingos" and "Space Aliens," hurricane detectors straight out of a tin can, and reverent odes to pop culture, like "50 Shades of Spam" and "Jerry Spamdusky." Prizes are handed out for the most imaginative works of art (and bragging rights), but half the fun is the roarin' laughter that fills the air.
The Little Bar's Legacy
Opened in 1978 by siblings Niki and Ray Bozicnik on the waterfront in Goodland, the Little Bar is a laid-back watering hole where the salt of the earth gathers to share a cold one and gab about life on the islands. Known for its funky ambiance and anything-goes crowd, the bar is the hub of the community, particularly at the Spammy Jammy.
The event marks the end of spring and the start of hurricane season, but it's also the Little Bar's farewell bash before it closes for the summer. With many local eateries scaling back hours or shuttin' down entirely once the snowbirds take off, the Spammy Jammy has become Goodland's final hurrah.
Should you find yourself sittin' at the Little Bar during the season (October through May), give the grouper, soft shell crab, or stone crab a try-my personal favorites- and significantly more affordable than Miami prices.
Visit like a Local
The Spammy Jammy usually lands in late June. The Little Bar Restaurant is located at 205 Harbor Pl N, Goodland, FL. Keep an eye out for updates on the event and don't forget your PJs. Come for the good times, stay for the community-spirited hurricane prep. It's a Florida fly-by-night event you don't want to miss!
- Southern Living Magazine's activities and entertainment section could feature an article about the Spammy Jammy event in Goodland, Florida, celebrating the unique culture and lifestyle of this coastal town.
- For folks interested in traveling to Florida, the home-and-garden section of Southern Living might suggest a visit to Goodland during hurricane season to experience the amazing Spam cook-off and sculpture contest at the Little Bar Restaurant.
- Food and Drink enthusiasts might enjoy learning about the creative recipes featuring Spam that are prepared during the Spammy Jammy, showcasing the local Florida lifestyle and fashion-and-beauty aesthetic.
- During the Spammy Jammy event, the Little Bar Restaurant offers delicious seafood dishes like grouper, soft shell crab, and stone crab, making it a must-visit destination for anyone who appreciates good food.
- After a long day of enjoying the Spammy Jammy event, one might want to explore the Little Bar's homey, charm-filled interior, showcasing the bar's rich history as a beloved hub of the Goodland community.
