Get ready for an exciting and fun-filled Labor Day when the Optimist Club of Perdido Bay hosts the 26th Annual Mullet Festival to benefit the children of the area.

The day begins with posting of the colors at 7:15 a.m. by American Legion Post 48. At 7:30, the runners take off for the 5k Run/Walk for the Mullet. Awards will be given in 78 age group categories.

Not into the 5k stretch? A one-mile fun walk will step off at 8:30 a.m. The first 40 finishers receive participant awards. All participants are invited to the after-race party that includes refreshments, water, Gatorade, bananas, orange slices, cookies and adult beverage as well as door prizes and awards ceremony. Sign up for the Run/Walk for the Mullet at ocpb.org.

Those not interested in running may partake of the Famous Optimist Breakfast consisting of pancakes, sausage, biscuits and gravy. The breakfast feast is held from 7 to 9 a.m. The cost is $5 per person and kids 2 through 8 eat free.

As if that weren’t enough, the great Optimist cooks turn right around and prepare a great fish dinner featuring fried mullet, catfish, hushpuppies, baked beans, grits, cole slaw, dessert and iced tea. The feast is offered from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. It costs $8 per person and once again, kids 2 through 8 eat free.

Kids can also enjoy inflatables from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and the whole family can try their luck from 9:30 to 11 a.m. competing in the Mullet Toss.

Inside visitors will find music from Big Jake and the Tag-A-Longs, a silent auction featuring golf packages and a sale of interesting and unique objects for men, women and children of all ages.

Outside craft vendors will supply an array of arts, crafts and other special items.

For more information, visit the Optimist Club of Perdido Bay website ocpb.org or

contact Ken 251-961-1530, Andy 251-961-1343 or Lee 251-962-3339.