I hope that you had a wonderful holiday season and that you are looking forward to a healthy, prosperous New Year! What are you doing for New Year’s Eve to celebrate?

There are lots of fun things going on (surprise, surprise) in Key West.  Needless to say great music can be had all over town!  From Hog’s Breath and the Green Parrot to the Wine Galley and La-te-Da, there is something for everyone.  I hear the Keys Piano Bar has put together an exceptional line up for the night as well.

Of course, the major events are those that occur at the stroke of midnight.  Here to there is something for everybody. 

Sloppy Joe’s at the lower end of Duval Street drops a Queen Conch Shell at midnight.  Created by local artist Tobias McGregor, This New Year’s Eve tradition began in 1993.  Back then, the Conch Shell only stood 2 feet high.  It is now a six-foot Queen Conch proudly standing 20 feet atop the roof at Sloppy Joes. It runs on a motorized track, and is synchronized with the clock and lights. A rooftop host entertains the crowd as everyone waits for the countdown clock to begin.

Schooner Wharf Bar is presenting its original New Year’s Eve tradition, the “Lowering of the Pirate Wench” from a 100-foot high mast of the tall ship Halie and Mathew docked in front of the popular waterfront watering hole. They will be lowering pirate wench, Evalena Worthington, co-owner of Schooner Wharf, against large illuminated countdown numbers – from 10, 9, 8 and so on, until the stroke of midnight where “2010” will light up to launch the new decade. All of this is against a backdrop of the ship’s crew dressed as pirates, the release of white balloons and cannon fire. Complimentary party favors, hats and horns add to the festive atmosphere.

Bourbon Street Pub presents one of the most outrageous New Year’s events in the world covered live by CNN. Each year on New Years Eve, Sushi, a famous drag queen in Key West, descends from the balcony of the Bourbon Street Pub onto Duval Street in a giant red stiletto shoe.  KEY WEST, Florida (CNN)—It’s one of the few New Year’s Eve parties in America where straight guys think twice about kissing a stranger at midnight.

Whatever it is that you choose to do to ring in the New Year, have fun and be safe.

Here’s wishing you all the very best on 2010.  And, as always, tahnks fro caring and sharing!! Cheers, Ginger

Ginger King is a Broker Associate in Schwartz Property Sales in Key West.  She has long been involved in helping her island community and to bring the best of “Sharing and Caring” possible to make Key West & the Florida Keys the magical place it is to live.  For more information about Ginger,www.gingerkingkeywest.com