Many UK anglers dream of a fishing trip abroad, and The Keys is one place that will feature on many wish-lists. With foreign trips costing so much, though, it’s not always easy to convince the other half, especially if they’re not interested in fishing. The press release below from the Florida Keys and Key West may help, though, as it shows some of the other things that go on in this beautiful part of the world – Ed
FLORIDA KEYS OFFER A CALENDAR OF CELEBRATIONS
The party-loving residents of the Florida Keys & Key West organise celebrations at the drop of a frangipani blossom. Even better, they invite the whole world to attend.
In mid-March each year, foodies flock to the Marathon Seafood Festival. The annual feast features fresh local delicacies like Florida lobster, succulent stone crab claws, plump pink shrimp and smoked fish. Keys chefs also serve conch (pronounced konk) in chowders, salad and fritters — plus sweet Key lime pie. And during the same month in Key West, conch shells become musical instruments at the annual Conch Shell Blowing Contest.
Each April, Islamorada’s upscale Cheeca Lodge honours the environment with an Earth Day celebration. The eco-extravaganza includes a beach sand sculpture event where “sculptors” spell out an environmental message in gigantic letters visible from the air. Attendees also enjoy environmental education exhibits, live music and mouth-watering barbecue.
In early July each year, some 600 divers and snorkellers submerge for a subsea concert celebrating the continental United States’ only living coral barrier reef. Showcasing the region’s colourful marine life, the Underwater Music Festival is held at Looe Key Reef, part of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary about six miles south of Big Pine Key.
The legacy of Pulitzer Prize–winning author Ernest Hemingway, who lived and wrote in Key West throughout the 1930s, takes centre stage annually during July’s Hemingway Days. Festival standouts include a look-alike contest for more than 125 Hemingway imitators, a short story competition directed by Ernest’s author granddaughter and a three-day marlin tournament recalling “Papa’s” passion for deep-sea angling.
Late October brings Key West’s bewitching, bewildering Fantasy Fest. The outrageous 10-day festival features dozens of masquerade balls, costume contests and glitzy galas, culminating in a dazzling parade of large-scale floats and costumed marching groups.
Each November, while the British shiver, runners in shorts and T-shirts compete in the Key Largo Bridge Run. The race features a 10k challenge, half marathon and 5k run/walk open to all ages.
But that’s not the only bridge footrace in the region. Mid-April brings the Seven Mile Bridge Run in Marathon. The event attracts 1,500 participants to traverse the longest of the 42 spans that stretch across blue water on the scenic Florida Keys Overseas Highway.
In January, Key West’s Food & Wine Festival showcases local chefs’ culinary flair, indigenous Florida Keys ingredients, premium wines from around the world — and even wacky “foodie” fun like bowling with coconuts.
In fact, no matter what their interests, Keys visitors will find cause to celebrate throughout the year. It’s no exaggeration to say there’s always something happening in the Keys.
Visit http://www.fla-keys.co.uk/ for more information.
