There are two celebrations to bring in the New Year in Key West, the straights gather in the 200 block of Duval and the gays and gay watches in the 700 block. Both countdowns model after the New York City traditional ball drop in Times Square.
The straights gather in front of Sloppy Joes to see the Conch Shell drop from the bars rooftop, a tradition that has a history of fifteen years originated by a local artist, Tobias McGregor. In 1993, McGregor approach Sloppy Joe's management about the New Year's Eve plan and it has grown from there.
Five blocks to the east is where we chose to hang back and watch a sequenced giant red high heel holding a lavishly dressed and coiffed Sushi as she (he) is lowered from the balcony of the Bourbon Street Bar to the delight of the crowd below. The real show is on the street as the gentleman and ladies in drag display their best.
“At Sloppy Joes the crowd tends to get routty, throwing beer bottles into the air, pushing, shoving and far too much testosterone overload. It’s a place that I just don’t feel save.” Nita surmised. “While up at the Bourbon Street Bar, you’ll probably be shocked and grossed out, but you won’t be assaulted or injured, and will possibly be kissed by who knows who or what. It’s just a lot of fun once a year. After the dropping of the red shoe we’ll go down to the White Street Pier for a street party dance and incredible fireworks”
Shay and Ginger stayed on the edge of the crowd with the grandkids so as to limit their exposure to some of the activity; they could still catch beads and see some of the costumes but none of the marginal behavior that took place in the thick of things. The rest of the family drifted in and out of the crowd to feed their curiosity and experience the energy of the night. Shortly after one a.m. as the fireworks were drawing to a finally Kerry and Nita volunteered to take the grandkids back to the house so their parents could finish off the calibration of the New Year.
The next day was dominated swimming in the house pool, bicycling, TV football and lounging.
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