ORANGE BEACH – It’s hyped as the world-famous "Interstate Mullet Toss and Gulf Coast’s Greatest Beach Party,” and its fun and frivolity is what the Flora-Bama has been known for in its 50-year history.

Three full days of it.

“It's like a big flash mob on the beach where a fish-throwing event breaks out,” according to the bar’s website. The event also features a bikini contest, tug-of-war and a keg toss.

The Mullet Toss got its start when Jimmy Lewis, a friend of long-time Flora-Bama owner Joe Gilchrist, was visiting out west and participated in cow chip tossing events. He and Joe decided an event like that would work at the Bama. But what to toss?

Why, mullet, of course.

And like many events at the Bama — the Jan. 1 annual Polar Bear Dip comes to mind — it started out as a few friends tossing back beers and fish as a lark, and it has become the biggest weekend on the iconic roadhouse’s calendar.

In it’s 30th year, the Mullet Toss is an event so packed you can’t stir ‘em with a stick. The event raises more than $20,000 annually for local charities.

Event preview

WHAT: Interstate Mullet Toss

WHEN: Friday through Sunday, April 25–27; 10 a.m. Friday, noon Saturday and Sunday

WHERE: World Famous Flora-Bama Lounge and Package Store

COST: $10 cover charge, $15 to toss a fish from Alabama to Florida (includes a T-shirt)

PARKING: $3 shuttle rides from Publix in Orange Beach and Winn-Dixie in Perdido Key

WHO IT BENEFITS: Local youth sports, other charities

MORE INFORMATION: 850-492-0611, 251-980-5118 or info@florabama 

WEBSITE: FloraBama.com