The 27th-annual Interstate Mullet Toss kicked off Friday at Flora-Bama

PERDIDO BEACH, Alabama -- Six lovely women competed Friday, April, 29, 2011, in the first day of Ms. Mullet Bikini Contest competition at the 27-annual Interstate Mullet Toss & Gulf Coast's Greatest Beach Party at the Flora-Bama Lounge and Package store, which straddles the Alabama-Florida line. Photos by

the event, perhaps without much exaggeration, as the "Gulf Coast's Greatest Beach Party."  And when you say party, BW, the Gulf Coast's premiere weekend entertainment magazine from Biloxi to the Florida Panhandle, is there. BW independent photographer Cindy McCrory captured 2 photo galleries from the first day of the 3-day event, one of participants and onlookers, a second from the Ms. Mullet Bikini Contest.

What is a mullet toss? As the name implies, the core attraction is an event in which folks fling smallish dead fish across the state line at the well-known venue, which sits right on the state line. Competitors stand in a 10-foot circle in Alabama and hurl mullet into Florida, vying for the distance record in a variety of gender and age divisions.
Thousands of people turn out every year to participate or observe, and to enjoy a slate of other attractions including live music, adult beverages, food and the bikini contest, which will be held all 3 days this year. According to organizers, the event raises more than $20,000 each year for area charities, particularly youth organizations.
Looking to go? The event takes place at the Flora-Bama at 17401 Perdido Key Drive on Perdido Key.
Gates open at 9 a.m. daily. “Estimated hours of operation” are 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m.-2:30 a.m. Saturday and Sunday. Cover charge is $10 per day for patrons 21 and older, dropping to $5 after 7 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $15 for patrons ages 16-20; Anyone 12 or younger can enter free, but must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Important note: Minors are not allowed to leave the festival and re-enter, and may find entry restricted or closed altogether after 6 p.m. Membership cards are valid for admission.