One of the Gulf Coast’s most unusual and enduring traditions is set to return April 24-26 as the Interstate Mullet Toss & Greatest Beach Party takes over the Flora-Bama, drawing thousands of visitors for a weekend of competition, music and philanthropy.

Billed as a blend of beach party and charitable event, the annual gathering invites participants to step into a 10-foot circle on the Florida side of the state line and hurl a dead mullet fish as far as possible into Alabama. The farthest throw wins, but organizers say the real goal extends beyond distance.

Proceeds from each toss benefit local youth charities, including school education and prevention programs supported by the Community Drug & Alcohol Council Inc., which addresses substance abuse, mental health issues and violence in surrounding communities. Organizers say the event raises more than $40,000 annually for those efforts.

The Flora-Bama event has grown from a small gathering into a nationally recognized spectacle, with hotel rooms in the region often booked months or years in advance. Visitors travel from across the country and beyond to take part or watch.

A mullet, commonly known as a saltwater fish found in abundance along the Gulf Coast, serves as the centerpiece of the competition. While the name may evoke the 1980s hairstyle, organizers emphasize the fish itself, described as one of the region’s most plentiful species and a longtime staple in local cuisine.

The tossing schedule runs Friday through Sunday, with children’s rounds held from 10 a.m. to noon, followed by adult competition from noon to 4 p.m. Daily owner and celebrity tosses begin at 4 p.m. Awards for children and adults 61 and older are presented at 2 p.m., with adult awards following at 4:30 p.m.

Participation costs $20 per toss, which includes a commemorative T-shirt. Larger shirt sizes cost $25. Entry fees for the venue begin at 9 a.m. each day, with admission set at $10 for those 21 and older and $20 for ages 18-20. Guests 17 and younger are admitted free during daytime hours, with access limited to those 21 and older after 6 p.m.

Competitors must register on-site and follow a strict set of rules. Gloves and sand on the fish are prohibited, and participants must remain inside the throwing circle without stepping out during their attempt. Throws that land out of bounds or violate the rules result in disqualification.

The fish used in the event are not alive. Afterward, they are donated to nearby facilities including Alligator Alley and the Gulf Coast Zoo to feed animals.

Parking near the venue is limited, and organizers urge attendees to avoid private properties and roadside parking. Rideshare services such as Uber and Lyft, along with local taxi companies, are recommended.

For more information, visit www.florabama.com/mullet-toss.