Key West Ramblings

The 30th Annual Literary Seminar

2012-01-01T15:00:00.000-05:00

The 30th Annual Key West Literary Seminar takes place January 5–8, 2012. “Yet Another World: Literature of the Future” features some of the most innovative writers working today: Margaret Atwood, Douglas Coupland, Michael Cunningham, Jennifer Egan, Rivka Galchen, William Gibson, James Gleick, Robert Krulwich, Jonathan Lethem, Janna Levin, Valerie Martin, Joyce Carol Oates, Dexter Palmer, George Saunders, Gary Shteyngart, James Tate, Colson Whitehead, and Charles Yu. Together with these esteemed writers, we will explore the potential of the present moment, pursuing it through dystopian, utopian, and imagined worlds that shed light on our current condition.

This four-day program explores a unique literary theme each January. The Writers’ Workshop Program offers instruction and community to writers of all levels, while their awards and scholarships recognize emerging writers of exceptional merit and support teachers and librarians. Through Littoral, their online journal, and their Audio Archives Project, they present exclusive literary resources to readers worldwide! Visit www.kwls.org for more information.

Key West High School Holiday Band & Choir Concert

2011-12-13T14:43:00.000-05:00

KW High School Holiday Band & Choir Concert.

Two hundred choir and band students perform holiday classics and favorites! Don’t miss the 12 Days of Christmas with the VIP's and Misty Polka by the Mistys. The award-winning band includes the Color Guard, Percussion Ensemble, Jazz Band, Symphonic and Wind Ensembles. Both the Key West High School Choir and Band have received “superior” ratings at the State level this Fall. Donations will be accepted at the door. A wonderful way to celebrate the Holiday Season!

Wednesday, December 14 & Thursday, December 15 at 7:00pm, Key West High School, Auditorium, 2100 Flagler Ave.

Forbidden Broadway

2011-12-13T14:40:00.000-05:00

Forbidden Broadway, written and conceived by Gerard Alessandrini.

This Off-Broadway satirical musical revue has been running in various versions in New York for 25 years. It sharply spoofs show tunes, characters and plots of popular Broadway musicals with snappy lyrics and fabulous costumes. In 2006, the show was awarded the Tony honors for Excellence in Theatre. Forbidden Broadway has been seen in more than 200 US cities as well as London, Tokyo, Singapore and Sydney and now comes to Key West! Directed by Becky Barta. Tickets: $30.00-$65.00.

Red Barn Theater
319 Duval St.
Key West, FL 33040. Date: 12/13/2011 TO 1/14/2012
Phone: 305-296-9911

Stone Crab Season Takes Off

2011-10-15T13:46:00.000-04:00

Stone Crab Season Takes Off

A Little Bit About Fantasy Fest

2011-10-09T16:17:00.000-04:00

Traditionally October has been a slow time for tourism in the Keys, but since its inception, Fantasy Fest® has continually boosted the economy by filling up hotel rooms and inundating local businesses, restaurants, and bars during this time period. The tremendous influx of visitors during the ten days of the festival sustains the local economy until the holiday season begins. Fantasy Fest is committed to extending the time that visitors stay by encouraging the creation of diverse events throughout the entire ten days. The opportunity to show off the imaginative and resourceful spirit that defines the Keys excites participants as well as the thousands that are drawn to the Keys. Read more at http://fantasyfest.org/about-the-fest.cfm!

Poker Run 2011!

2011-09-13T16:05:00.000-04:00

Phil Petersons Key West Poker Run.

September 15th thru September 18th.

This is an amazing event, where over 10,000 Motorcyclists, and Enthusiasts come out to enjoy the Poker Run, People, and the Beautiful Florida Keys. Along the ride there are multiple stops to draw your hands, enjoy Contests, Bikini Bike Washes, Food and Drinks, Vendors and so much more! You don't want to miss this incredible event!

http://philpeterson.motorcyclebikeweek.com.

Mel Fisher Days!

2011-07-10T15:54:00.000-04:00

The late shipwreck salvor Mel Fisher is to be honored Thursday through Sunday, July 14-17, with a festival that also commemorates the 26th anniversary of his discovery of the sunken Spanish galleon Nuestra Señora de Atocha.

Fisher and his crew uncovered a $450 million cache of Atocha treasure and artifacts July 20, 1985, after a 16-year search. The galleon sank in 1622 approximately 35 miles southwest of Key West.

Fisher's son Kim Fisher and grandson Sean Fisher, who direct the ongoing search for still-missing Atocha artifacts and treasures, spearhead the festival each year.

Scheduled events begin at 6 p.m. Thursday, July 14, at the Schooner Wharf Bar, 202 William St. in Key West's Historic Seaport. On tap are games recalling Mel Fisher's exuberant lifestyle, a treasure-themed bikini contest and authentic treasure prizes.

From 3-9 p.m. Friday, a street carnival celebrating Fisher is to take place in the 200 block of Key West's Duval Street with live concert entertainment, a silent auction, rollicking games and more.

Saturday, July 16, a Midnight Gambler Texas Hold 'Em Poker Tournament salutes Fisher's adventurous spirit. The fun is set for 8:30 p.m. to 2 a.m. aboard Sunset Watersports' Party Cat catamaran.

Sunday's schedule features the 1 p.m. presentation of the Mel Fisher Lifetime Achievement Award to Professor David Bederman of Emory Law School. Bederman has been instrumental in the decades-long legal struggle for salvors' rights to explore and recover mankind's maritime heritage from the sea. The presentation takes place in the Mel Fisher Maritime Museum's courtyard, 200 Greene St.

The festival's highlight is a 2 p.m. reunion of the "golden crew" that searched for the Atocha with Fisher. The reunion is scheduled at The Bull, located at the corner of Duval and Caroline streets in Key West's historic downtown.

Event information: www.melfisher.com or 305-296-6534

Independence Day Fireworks!

2011-07-04T12:01:00.000-04:00

Annual 4th of July Fireworks!

Today, July 4th at 9:00pm at White Street Pier!

See you there!

Flagler Bicycle Tour

2011-05-22T15:22:00.000-04:00

Flagler Bicycle Tour.

Saturday, June 4th.

9:00am-12:00pm.

Location: Casa Marina Resort.

Phone: (305) 293-7658.

Informal bike ride highlighling Henry Flagler's legacy in Key West. Tour begins and ends at Flagler's 'Casa Marina' Resort, with stops at points of interest including the Monroe county Library, Mallory Square Sculpture Garden, Key West Custom House, Flagler Station Historeum, Key West Ferry Terminal, Trumbo Point piers. Tour limited to 15 participants. Must pre-register by Friday 5pm.

American Cancer Society Relay for Life

2011-04-29T12:59:00.000-04:00

American Cancer Society Relay for Life:

Saturday, May 14th thru Sunday, May 15th.

Location: Bayview Park, Corner of Truman Ave & Jose Marti Dr.

Phone: (305) 292-2333.

Relay For Life is the American Cancer Society's signature activity. It is a unique event that offers communities an opportunity to participate in the fight agtainst cancer. Relays are 18 hours in length and are overnight. Teams of 10-15 people camp out and take turns walking a track. Each team will have food and activities set up and there will also be a luminaria ceremony to recognize those currently battling or who have been lost to cancer. This year's theme is 'Under the Big Top, Carnival for a Cure.' This will also be the first year that the event is Sat-Sun, instead of Fr-Sat.

Tiger In The Woods Golf Tournament

2011-04-29T12:52:00.000-04:00

6th Annual Key West Chamber of Commerce 'Tiger In The Woods Golf Tournament'

Sunday, May 1st

Time: 8:00am

Location: Key West Golf Club, 6450 College Road, Key West

For more information on participating, or becoming a sponsor, please contact Kerry Baker at 305-294-2587.

Annual Taste of Key West

2011-03-24T13:50:00.000-04:00

Annual Taste of Key West

Monday, April 18, 2011
6:00pm - 9:00pm

Location:Truman Waterfront Pier
End of Southard Street

Phone:(305) 296-6196
Benefiting AIDSHelp More than 50 local restaurants and 100 wineries and vineyards, provided by Republic National Distributing Company, will be on hand to provide food & wine tastes.

30th Annual 7 Mile Bridge Run

2011-03-24T13:46:00.000-04:00

30th Annual 7 Mile Bridge Run

Saturday, April 09, 2011
6:45am-9:00am

Location:7 Mile Bridge

Marathon, FL 33040

Phone: (305) 395-7040

The 30th Annual 7-Mile Bridge Run is scheduled for Saturday, April 9, 2011. If you are interested in running this race, send in a Self Addressed Stamped Envelope (business size) to request an application. To make it fair, all requests for applications will be mailed out exactly at the same time early in February 2011. Do not procrastinate sending in your request. Once the applications are mailed out, we stop the requests. We accept up to the first 1500 correctly filled out applications that are returned. The run fills up within two days after mailing so be ready to get your application filled out correctly with fee enclosed and mailed back ASAP. You may want to consider sending your prepaid self-addressed USPS overnight mail to receive your application and return it the same way. The fee for 2011 has not been determined yet. The 7-Mile Bridge Run is put on by THE MARATHON RUNNERS CLUB, a small group of individuals who put this event together for local youth organizations. Send your request to: Marathon Runners Club, P.O. Box 500110, Marathon, FL 33050. Marathon Runners Club 7milebridgerun@gmail.com 305.395.7040

Flagler Bicycle Tour

2011-03-24T13:42:00.000-04:00

Flagler Bicycle Tour

Saturday, April 02, 2011

9:00am-12:00pm

Location:Casa Marina Resort
Key West, FL 33040
Phone: (305) 293-7658

Informal bike ride highlighling Henry flagler's legacy in Key West. Tour begins and ends at Flagler's "Casa Marina" Resort, with stops at points of interest including the Monroe county Library, Mallory Square Sculpture Garden, Key West Custom House, Flagler Station Historeum, Key West Ferry Terminal, Trumbo Point piers. Tour limited to 15 participants. Must pre-register by Friday 5pm.

Key West Half Marathon Run: 1/22-1/23

2011-01-18T18:24:00.000-05:00

Key West Half Marathon Run -

Saturday, January 22, 2011 thru Sunday.

The 13th annual Key West Half Marathon takes place on a flat, fast 13.1-mile half-marathon course through Key West's Old Town and scenic waterfront area. Entry fee $45, $50 day of race. Contact: Barbara Wright 305-296-7182 Email: bwpromo3@bellsouth.net.

Key West Harbour King Mackerel Tournament: 1/21-1/23

2011-01-18T18:22:00.000-05:00

Key West Harbour King Mackerel Tournament -

Friday, January 21, 2011 thru Sunday.

Phone: Lee Murray 305.296.0364.

Big king mackerel migrate to the waters around Key West each winter, and a fittingly large prize awaits the winner of this challenge. The angler who weighs in the heaviest mackerel, also known as kingfish, is to go home with $10,000!

51st Annual Key West House & Garden Tours: 1/21-1/22

2011-01-18T18:20:00.000-05:00

51st Annual House Tours -

Friday, January 21, 2011 thru Saturday.

5:00pm-8:00pm

Phone:(305) 294-9501

The 51st annual Key West house tours are sponsored by the Old Island Restoration Foundation and funded in part about the Monroe County Tourist Development Council. Each tour features lovely homes and gardens reflecting the varied tastes and originality of their owners. You will be enchanted by exquisite restorations and creative renovations, and delightful interiors featuring art collections, antiques, and much more. Each tour features 5 private homes. Tour tickets are $25.

Key West New Year's Eve Celebration!

2010-12-29T18:10:00.000-05:00

Key West New Year's Eve Celebration!

Friday, December 31st, 2010.

Which of our islands three famous drops will you be attending?

1) The Conch Shell Drop at Sloppy Joe's (305-296-2388).
2) Sushi in the Red High Heel at the Bourbon Street Pub (305-296-2388).
3) The Pirate wench on the Liberty Clipper at the Historic Seaport (305-292-3302).

Pet Masquerade & Parade

2010-10-23T14:28:00.000-04:00

A magical carousel of frisky pets and playful owners delightfully disguised and ready to frolic for fame and fortune! Registration for competition is at 4:30 pm, FREE to watch, $25 to enter, benefits Lower Keys Friends of Animals. Casa Marina Resort, 1500 Reynolds St. For more information call 305-304-1026 or quepasakeywest@hotmail.com.

Headdress Ball

2010-10-23T14:24:00.001-04:00

The Key West Business Guild proudly presents its 28th annual Headdress Ball on Tuesday evening, October 26th at 8 PM. The event moves across the street at the Southernmost Hotel on the Beach, 508 South St (on the grounds of the old Atlantic Shores.) Popular local entertainer and Broadway veteran Bruce Moore returns as emcee. Sound by WEOW’s Rudegirl. This year’s theme, “Diagnosis: Psychosis-An Assembly at the Asylum,” is sure to bring out some zany headdresses.

The first place winner will receive $1500. Bring your cameras! Tables for four and general admission seating available. Adult themed, held rain or shine.

For entry and hotel information visit: www.headdressballkeywest.com.

Christopher Peterson in Eyecons, Las Vegas or Bust!

2010-10-02T15:31:00.000-04:00

Christopher Peterson in Eyecons, Las Vegas or Bust!

Legendary impressionist, Christopher Peterson brings his stage extravaganza “EYECONS, Las Vegas or Bust” to the Waterfront Playhouse. This ALL-LIVE, no lip-sync show features parodies of all the great female stars, plus 4 dancers, fabulous sets and over-the-top costumes.

There only 3 performances: October 23, 24 and 25 at 8:00 pm! Don't miss this last chance to catch the brilliance of Christopher before he relocates to Las Vegas ! For tickets, go to waterfrontplayhouse.org!

The Annual MARC Pumpkin Patch!

2010-10-02T15:25:00.000-04:00

MARC Pumpkin Patch!

Sunday, October 17th thru Saturday, October 30th from 11am to 7pm.

Location: The MARC Plant Store, 1401 Seminary St. (Where the Christmas Trees are sold!)

Phone: 305-294-9526 (ext. 18)

A HUGE selection of pumpkins and gourds will be for sale! The funds raised go directly to MARC programs.

Womenfest Key West 2010

2010-09-08T13:48:00.000-04:00

For over twenty years Key West has welcomed women from all over the globe to Womenfest Key West, the southernmost party for lesbians and their friends. Womenfest offers a wide range of activities guaranteed to appeal to a broad range of interests. Golfing with palm trees and iguanas, clothing-optional pool parties, a sizzling dance club scene, sexy & competitive bull riding, and women-only water excursions that range from jet skis to dolphin watching all promise to pique the interest of the more adventurous while film, live music, and special comedy shows offer the opportunity to enjoy paradise at a slower pace. All of this on a tropical island that is close to perfect and far from normal! Join Emily Saliers, Suzanne Westenhoefer, Lori Michaels, Corday & the G-Strings, and more at Womenfest 2010, September 7-12! http://www.womenfest.com/

Hands Across The Gulf Benefit Concert: 8/14

2010-08-10T11:37:00.000-04:00

Hands Across The Gulf - Benefit Concert for Oil Spill Relief!

Saturday, August 14, 2010 thru Sunday. 6:00pm - 2:00am

Location: El Alamo Bar, 4 Charles Street, Key West. Phone:(281) 222-1663

Key West Lobsterfest: 8/6 - 8/8

2010-07-24T14:13:00.000-04:00

A Celebration of our favorite Crustacean! Live music, cold drinks, and fresh lobster!

Friday August 6th, 8pm-?

Kick-Off Party Rick's/Durty Harry's Entertainment Complex 202 Duval St.

Jam with the "Durt Bags" on the main stage in Durty Harry's or dance to the hottest music during the Live broadcast on 92.7 WEOW from 10pm - 2am on the deck in Rick's Upstairs

**4th Annual** Lobsterfest Duval Crawl!

Immediately following sunset, join hundreds of party people for a stroll down Duval Street. Everyone receives an Official Lobsterfest T-Shirt and souvenir lanyard, plus 2 for 1 Coronas and 3 Olives cocktails! Proceeds benefit Key West High School Scholarship Fund. Purchase tickets from the Ship to Shore store at the Rick's/Durty Harry's Entertainment Complex, 202 Duval St. 11am til 2am Daily. Arrive early to avoid the crowd! T-shirts are available August 2nd.

Saturday August 7th, Noon-11pm,

**14th Annual** Street Fair 100, 200, 300, 400 and 500 blocks of Duval St.

Art, crafts, merchandise and of course, lots of lobster!

Saturday August 7th, 1pm-10:30pm

Free Concert intersection of Duval St. and Greene St. Scheduled acts include Alphonse, Cool Breeze, CW Colt and Mile Marker 24 featuring Howard Livingston.

Sunday August 8th, 11am-3pm,

Lobster Brunch - a sumptuous brunch will be served at the Double Tree - Grand Key Resort
3990 S. Roosevelt Blvd. Reservations are suggested! Call (305) 293-1818.

Mini Lobster Season! 7/28 - 7/30

2010-07-22T14:02:00.002-04:00

Mini Lobster Season in the Florida Keys! Wednesday, July 28, thru Friday, July 30.

The Grand recieves the White Glove Award!

2009-12-13T16:58:00.001-05:00

The Grand Guesthouse receives the White Glove Award for the third year in a row!

Hotels Given Clean Bill
...from The Key West Citizen, Sunday, December 13th, Business Briefs

Three local small hotels won the prestigious White Glove Award from Florida Superior Small Lodging Association. They include Captain Pip's Marina & Hideaway in Marathon, Cypress House in Key West and The Grand Guesthouse in Key West.

All three earned a 100 percent rating in the annual housekeeping review. "The White Glove Award is our organization's highest recognition for housekeeping achievement," said Donna Boucher, the association's executive director. "The ... award recognizes hotel owners who have made outstanding contributions to (the association's) mission and business objective of benchmarking housekeeping excellence and exceptional service.