Since its earliest days on the shore of Biscayne Bay, The Barnacle Historic State Park has been the happening spot for many a glorious party — almost too many to count.
And the reputation remains firmly intact as Grove-ites and guests let the good times roll, March 30, with a Louisiana-style Bayou Bash in celebration of the life and times of Coconut Grove pioneer Commodore Ralph Middleton Munroe. The Barnacle Society and friends partied with a Louisiana-style dinner complete with an authentic Crawfish Boil, dancing to live music by renowned blues band Iko-Iko, and sipping wine, beer, and bubbly — well into the night
The annual silent auction was also a popular feature of this highly anticipated event, during which guests were encouraged to bid high — and bid often — on dozens of unique quality items in the party pavilion on the scenic bayfront grounds.
This beloved annual party raised essential funds as The Barnacle Society continues to rebuild the park after heavy damage to the boathouse, the dock, and pavilion by Hurricane Irma in 2017.
Painstaking work on this 128-year-old home and grounds takes thousands of volunteer hours a year — which is why direct donations are so important, along with fees generated by memberships, park events, and programs.
This is the core mission for The Barnacle Society Inc., a volunteer nonprofit, citizen-support organization created to generate public awareness, education, and financial support for the preservation and maintenance of The Barnacle Historic State Park.
Commodore Munroe’s residence, now The Barnacle Historic State Park, is the oldest home in its original location in all of Miami-Dade County. He was a co-founder of the Biscayne Bay Yacht Club with neighbor Kirk Munroe and held the position of Commodore there for 22 years.
The Barnacle Historic State Park is administered by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and events are sponsored by The Barnacle Society. Its membership is a sustainable network of diverse, dedicated supporters actively engaged in preserving the past and assuring the future of The Barnacle Historic State Park in Coconut Grove.
For donation information, visit www.thebarnacle.org/donate. For general information, to become a volunteer, or to learn about Barnacle Society membership, call 305-442-6866 or visit www.floridastateparks.org/park/The-Barnacle and www.TheBarnacle.org.
