But that’s the plan for the annual Florida Keys Holiday Festival, taking place from 4-10 p.m. Dec. 5, at Islamorada’s Founders Park, Mile Marker 87 bayside.

A 20-ton mountain of actual snow will be the centerpiece of the festival. Kids who have never seen snow can join with those more experienced in snowman sculpting to create one complete with corncob pipe and button nose before the snow melts.

Other event highlights include the Santa Paws Pet Parade, designed to provide a tail-waggin’ good time for pets decked out in holiday finery. Prizes await “party animals” that are best dressed or perform the best trick. Any domestic animal is welcome to participate and entry is free. For details, call 305-451-0088.

Decorative fur will give way to festive fir during the evening, as a 35-foot-tall community Christmas fir tree glistens with snow while carolers sing.

Vendors plan to offer arts and crafts in a holiday bazaar and food and wine in “Vino Village.” In addition, selected artists are expected to donate handcrafted ornaments that will be on display and sold by silent auction.

The annual holiday parade will be themed the “Art of Giving,” in honor of the lifetime artwork of Millard Wells. Wells, a prolific watercolor artist, will serve as grand marshal of the parade, set to start at 7 p.m.

His lighthouse and fish design adorns the Islamorada Chamber of Commerce.

Parade participants typically include the local high school’s Hurricanes marching band, decorated floats and antique cars. Santa is set to take part in the festivities, as well as Dr. Seuss’ strangely lovable Grinch.

The parade route proceeds from the Founders Park main entrance through the park before finishing at the southern gate.

Admission to the Holiday Festival is free, but donations will be collected for parking.

For more information, contact the Islamorada Chamber of Commerce at 800-322-5397.

Source: http://keysnews.com/node/7534

What’s better is that, for the first time ever, the King of Conch and the kingofconch.com will be out and about taking pictures with fans and selling Conch Republic souvenirs. This year we’ll be joined by photographer John Berger who is displaying some of his latest pieces. For more info, checkout the official website or contact us.

Happy sailing!

Friday April 17th
Proclamation of Secession
Snappers, MM 94 at 3 pm.
Join dignitaries, politicians, & friends, as the Northernmost Territories of the Conch Republic is formed. 852-5956 (more info)
Northernmost Territories Flag Raising and Kick-Off Party at Sundowners, 6pm: cabinet installation, music and dancing with drink specials. 451-4502

Saturday April 18th
“Is Your Pet a Conch?” contest begins, Keys Kritters Pet Store. 451-2627
ConchFest: Conch Specials with wine and rum pairings from around the world tonite and for the entire week at Bayside Grille. 451-3880
Corvette Cruisin’ at Largo Cargo, MM 103, 4-8pm: entertainment, food and beverages. 451-4242 (more info)
Keys Cajun Secession Celebration, 6pm-10pm at Rib Daddy’s. MM102.5 food, fun and live Cajun music in the garden. 451-0900

Sunday April 19th
“Start the Day the Conch Republic Way” Breakfast specials at Key Largo Conch House 7am-noon. 453-4844 (more info)
“Anything that Floats” Race from the Caribbean Club to Sundowners. Awards at Sundowners, registration party at Caribbean Club, time TBA. 451-4502
(view more info and rules)

Monday, April 20th
Conch Lovers Feast at Key Largo Conch House, Conch Appetizer, Soup & Entree $29 PP 5-9 pm. 453-4844 (more info)

Tuesday April 21st
Conch Fritter Eating Contest at Encore Restaurant, MM 102.4, 6pm. 451-0650 (more info and application form)

Wednesday April 22
Conch Republic Bed Races Meeting, pole placement and pre-race party at Coconuts, 5pm live music, dancing, drink specials. 453-9794 (entry form)
Conch Republic Progressive Dinner: wine and dine as we transport you for a 5-course conchalicious Keys-themed menu (see menu). 6:30pm. Sue Finney 394-3736

Thursday April 23rd
Opening night of the Conch Republic Texas Hold’em Contest aboard Sun Cruz Casino 6:30pm. Holiday Inn 451-0000
Snappers Turtle Club Prices rolled back to 1982 thru Sunday. 852-5956 (more info)
King and Queen Contest Registration at Snappers. Sign up and get complimentary accessories for your Royal attire. (more info)
Jimmy Buffett Impersonator Contest. Snappers, MM94, 7:30pm. 852-5956 (more info)

Friday the 24th
Texas Hold’em Contest continues on SunCruz.
King and Queen Conch; Crowning of the royal couple at Snappers, 8pm. 852-5956 (more info)

Saturday April 25th
Conch Republic Underwater Treasure Hunt, 8:30am. 451-3020 (Click here for more info and participating dive shows)
By Land or Sea Conch Poker Run, 11 am. Event begins at Sundowners, MM104. 394-3736 (more info)
“Is Your Pet a Conch?” contest finals at Keys Kritters Pet Store, 11am. 451-2627
Conch Republic Music Festival at Shipwrecks from 3pm until you drop. 453-3153
Conch Republic Bed Races at Coconuts, 5pm 453-9794
Conch Cruiser Car Classic at Snappers, 5pm Awards at 7:30pm, live music, dancing. Contact Mark Mills 852-9085 (more info)

Sunday April 26th
“Start the Day the Conch Republic Way” Breakfast specials at Key Largo Conch House 7am-noon 453-4844 (more info)
Closing Ceremonies at Snappers starting at 3pm (more info)
Conch Shell Blowing Contest, Key Lime Pie Eating Contest followed by the Ceremonial Destruction of the Jewfish Creek Bridge, live music dancing and drink specials. Treasure Hunt Awards. 852-5956

The Independence proclamation declared, true Conch are disgusted with the Southernmost leaders who have forgotten the values our country was found on and have become Money Hungry puppets of the United States. Besides succession in an unpredicted move the newly formed Northernmost Territories of the Conch Republic declared all out War on the Conch Republic. It is rumored that a replica of the Seven Mile Bridge connecting the Northern and Southern territories will be blown up within the week.

The Independent Northernmost Territories of the Conch Republic has its Northern border at the Last Chance Saloon in Florida City and extends to mile marker 71. True Conchs and dignitaries from around the world where among the hundred attending the ceremonies in support of the new Republic.

As word spread across the new republic all in attendance moved to Sundowners for a special celebration and the first Raising of the Northernmost Territory of the Conch Republics Flag. Conch came from far & near to be part of this ceremony.

View photos from the Ceremonies

The annual munch-a-thon features local delicacies like Florida lobster, stone crab claws, pink shrimp and smoked fish. Keys chefs are to offer conch in chowders, salad and fritters. Fresh oysters and clams, fried local fish and even hot dogs are to await hungry customers.

Sweet treats, including fresh Key lime pie, should provide a fine finish to the seafood extravaganza. Beer and soft drinks will be available as well.Other attractions include a nautical flea market, boat show, arts and crafts booths and scheduled entertainers including the Key Lime Pie Band.

Festival hours are 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. March 15 and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. the final day. Admission is $8 per adult. Children under 12 are admitted free when accompanied by a paying adult.

The Greater Marathon Chamber of Commerce sees volunteers to work at the festival. Anyone interested can call Stacie Kidwell at 289-3503 or send an e-mail to stacie@yourkeysconnection.com.Volunteers will receive a free T-shirt and free admission to the festival the day they work.

The Fort Taylor Pirate Fest is scheduled for Dec. 5 – 7, 2008

9 Days of Pure Piratical Escapades Celebrating Key West’s Rich & Colorful Maritime Heritage

Avast, me Hearties! It’s time to chart yer course for Pirates in Paradise Festival 2007. So… don yer pirate garb and join us for a week of mischief and merrymaking as Key West celebrates Pirates in Paradise Festival 2007.

Once again we the Festival will feature top-name quality entertainment and historic re-enactors, improvisational actors, and combative stunt men. Performers from around the country will join the Florida Key’s own Bone Island Buccaneers and Bawdy Be to invade Key West. As you stroll the streets of Old Town and visit Fort Zachary Taylor during the Festival, don’t be surprised if you run into the likes of Anne Bonny, Cascabel, Braze, Sir Henry Morgan, the Bone Island Buccaneers, the Pyrates of the Coast and other nefarious Brethren of the Coast.

The public can join Captain Finbar and his scurvy crew of pirates aboard the schooner WOLF, Flagship of the Conch Republic, for Tall Ship Sails and Pirate Attacks. Docked at the Historic Seaport, the WOLF, along with the schooners LIBERTY, APPLE DORE, JOLLY ROVER, REEF CHIEF and ISLAND BELL will also be offering afternoon and sunset sails during the Pirate Fest.

One of the most popular events is the Goombay Community Fishing Party. The community and the organizer of this year’s event meet at the Truman Water Front Park at the end of Southard Street and have some good old-fashioned family fun. Everyone meets at the pier with their coolers and family to fish, play cards, dance, and party and have fun. The V I P reception and block party is a carefree backyard-type party event in front of the Goombay headquarters, The Coral City Elks Lodge # 610, 1107 Whitehead Street, Key West, Florida. There are street vendors, and a stage with an open microphone for the locals to show their talents. The headliners from the Bahamas, local officials, and the sponsors of the event are there for you to meet and greet.

Now we have two Goombay Festivals in Key West. In the summer we host Goombay Summer Fest and in the fall we host Goombay Fantasy Fest. Goombay Fantasy Street Fair features the Royal Bahamas Police Force Band and other continuous entertainment from the Bahamas and South Florida.

There is something for everyone. The Coral City Elks Goombay festivals are the locals’ favorite events.

http://www.goombay-keywest.org

Costume contests, walk the plank, rum tasting, booty hunt, pirate show, thieves market, underwater poker and more! Visit web site for details on these three days of pirate-themed fun.

Contact: Sue Finney (305) 394-3736

http://www.keylargopiratesfest.com/

The festivities begin Friday night with the Lobsterfest DUVAL CRAWL then Saturday it’s time to celebrate that sweet juicy taste sensation we all love… the Florida lobster. The Free street fair opens at noon and the first band hits the stage at 1pm. The party lasts all day and continues until 11pm! Finally, on Sunday feast on Lobster at The Doubletree Grand Key Resort’s Lobster Brunch.

Schedule of Events:
Friday August 8th, 8pm-?
Kick-Off Party Rick’s/Durty Harry’s Entertainment Complex 202 Duval St. Jam with “Cool Breeze” 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

**2nd Annual**
Lobsterfest Duval Crawl
Immediately following sunset, join hundreds of party people for a stroll down Duval Street. Proceeds benefit Key West High School Scholarship Fund.Join hundreds of party people Friday Night for the kick off to this year’s Lobsterfest. The “crawl” will begin immediately after sunset and last as long as you do. Participants will receive an official Lobsterfest ‘08 T-Shirt and fantastic drink specials at all participating bars. The cost is just $15 and proceeds benefit the Key West High School’s Scholarship Fund. Pick up your T-Shirt and instructions from the Ship to Shore store located in the Rick’s/Durty Harry’s Entertainment Complex, 202 Duval St. Shirts are available beginning August 5th.

Saturday August 9th, Noon-11pm
Street Fair 100, 200, 300 and 400 blocks of Duval St. Art, crafts, merchandise and of course, lots of lobster!

Saturday August 9th, 1pm-10:30pm
Free concert intersection of Duval St. and Greene St.

Sunday August 10th, 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

contact erik@keywestwalkingtours.com for more details.

http://www.keywestlobsterfest.com