Annual Mullet Festival Brings Good Times to Goodland

Thousands poured into Goodland for the 39th annual Mullet Festival February 3rd through February 5th. There was plenty of country music, dancing, drinking and eating. Stan’s is a family-owned waterfront restaurant and has operated since 1969. 

Goodland took a nasty hit from Hurricane Ian in September 2022 however, it did not stop people's desire to have fun. The crowd was even larger than last year with a never-ending line of cars coming up the road into downtown Goodland. As soon as the festival started, the parking lots were full. The boaters docked their boats around 9:00 AM to find an available spot. People showed up by Harley-Davidson, by boat, and by a fleet of expensive cars. There was also a considerable number of people in Philadelphia Eagles outfits.

Kickoff party was on Friday night with Rock Republic; Saturday featured Barton and The Boys and Sunday was with The Shane Duncan Band. The Marco Island Fire Department had hot dogs on sale as a fundraiser.

The Mullet Festival celebrates Old Florida at its finest and carries on the traditions established by Stan Gober, whose offbeat music was the inspiration for the Buzzard Lope Dance and Queen Contest! The highlight and grand finale of the annual mullet festival in Goodland was the crowning of the Buzzard Lope Queen, inspired by Stan Gober's song, Buzzard Lope, depicting the strange dance that buzzards do as they hover over roadkill.

This year the contestants were Kathy Rockamann (Missouri), Amy Greszler (Ohio), Tracy Cox (Michigan), Heather (New Jersey), Lisa Guggisberg (Minnesota), and Pam Kramer (Minnesota). They gave the audience fun-filled moments with their magnificent dances. Four past winners also came to the stage to show their support for this year’s contestants. 

After their first performance Kathy and Amy made it to the finals. As a result of the voting made by audience applause, Kathy Rockamann was crowned "Buzzard Lope Queen of 2023”. She was awarded $250 for the best costume and $500 for the best overall.

Kathy’s husband passed away in June, so she was very tearful on stage. She participated in the same contest nine years ago and knew her husband was up in heaven supporting her.

The 39th annual Mullet Festival also witnessed a large number of first-time visitors, and they all had an amazing time.

Rebecca from Boston said, “I have the best day ever! I’ve never been here. My sister and brother-in-law live in Estero, so we came here. The band was phenomenal. Everything about this place is awesome! We will be back next year and I’m going to win the prize.”