This Week on the Island 05/01/2011

'This week on the Island' is written by Doug Bennett and is an update to friends about happenings in Key West last week. Everything is true except for those parts that are lies.----------------------------------------------------------------------------
The first picture this week (click to enlarge) is ‘Pirates’, Left to Right: Evalena (owner of Schooner Wharf Bar), Frank (Franks Magic Bar in the back of Schooner), Jo and I. Thursday, Jo and I walked, with the Schooner Wharf Pirates, in the Great Conch Republic Parade down Duval from the Atlantic to the Gulf. I carried a pirate pouch full of ‘Pirate Gold Coins’ (from Oriental Trading Company) and gave them to kids. The 2nd picture is a Royal Poinciana in bloom.

Weather: Wonderful. Lots of Sun and a light breeze.

No book this week. Too busy.

------------CONCH REPUBLIC DAYS------------
On April 23, 1982, Key West seceded from The Union when the US Federal Government used the Boarder Patrol to block US#1 at Last Chance Saloon in Florida City. The Federal Government was looking for drugs; Key West was NOT getting any tourist. We assumed that since the US Government used the Boarder Patrol, they must consider the Keys as NOT being part of the US. After the rebellion, the US Government took down the road block and Key West became the Conch Republic.

-----------This Years Celebration-----------
Friday, April 22nd, Raising of the colors at Ft Zack, Reception at USS Ingram, and Kick off Party at Schooner Wharf

Saturday, April 23rd, Drag Racing on Duval with the Drag Queens. Wreakers Race Captains meeting, and Royal Family Investiture at the Green Parrot.

Sunday, April 24th, Easter, ‘til the dancing stops’ at the Green Parrot, Wreakers Race Finals, The Wreakers Race Awards at Schooner.

Monday, April 25th, Hares and Hounds Meeting at Shanna Key

Tuesday: April 26th, The Pet Stroll from Mel Fishers to the Conch Farm, Captains meeting for the Bloody Battle at Schooner.

Wednesday: April 27th, Conch Republic Music Festival at Hogs Breath and the Pre Bed Race Party at New Orleans House on Duval.

Thursday, April 28th, World's Longest Parade (ocean to ocean) - Starting at the Atlantic going down Duval to Schooner Wharf on the Gulf, Parade Party at Schooner Wharf

Friday, April 29th, Bloody Battle Party- Ocean Key House Dock, Battle Parade and Great Sea Battle- Mallory Square Harbor, Victory Party - Schooner Wharf

Saturday, April 30th, Craft Show - Duval & Whitehead Streets, Conch Bar Crawl - Assorted Downtown Bars, Bed Races - Duval (from Duval at Fleming St to 801 Bourbon on Duval. Fiddler's Contest - Green Parrot, Pirate's Ball and Pig Roast - Schooner Wharf

Sunday, May 1st, 20th Annual Conch Cruiser Car Show.

Key West, You have got to love it
'Living the life that others dream'
Doug Bennett
Lat 24.5591N, Long 81.8016W

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Sassi dancing to Schooner Wharf Bar Dog.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SbxD3D-rPqo