PrideFest Key West
June 6 - 14, 2009

The Key West Pride Festival is a 9 day event consisting of an array of cultural events that celebrate the incredibly diverse community that supports or identifies with gay, lesbian, transsexual, transgendered, intersex, two-spirited and queer people and their allies.

Presented by the Gay and Lesbian Community Center of Key West, PrideFest honors gay and lesbian achievements in equality, promotes tolerance and understanding, and provides a fun-filled whirl of revelry for visitors and residents of all sexual orientations. The schedule includes the Pride Follies talent extravaganza; contests to select a Mr., Ms. and Miss PrideFest, parties and a tea dance and a parade down Key West’s famous Duval Street.

“At a time not long ago, the social climate against sexual minorities made police raids very common for many of the places gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered people gathered. But on June 27, 1969, the patrons of a small New York City bar called The Stonewall Inn fought back in a three day resistance that spilled out on the streets of Greenwich Village marking the birth of the modern gay rights movement. Today, millions of people each year gather to commemorate this historical turning point in hundreds of Pride marches and Pride festivals throughout the world.”

“While we fight for our rights to the same dignity and respect that heterosexual members of our society have, we often don’t afford basic respects to our own diverse groups. Pridefest Key West was born of a dream to create a sense of community, understanding and tolerance for everyone, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgendered and heterosexual. It is our greatest dream that this event will introduce the diverse members of our culture to each other so that we can cultivate an understanding of all parts of our community.”

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Video of the Vandenberg sinking: http://keysnews.com/video/vandenberg-sinking

A ship last used by the U.S. Air Force to track missiles and spacecraft became the world’s second-largest intentionally sunk artificial reef Wednesday.

Using explosives attached to the hull, crews sank the decommissioned Gen. Hoyt S. Vandenberg about seven miles off Key West, Fla.

The scheduled 10 a.m. blast to force the hulking vessel to the ocean floor was delayed by about 20 minutes because of sealife in the vicinity — specifically, sea turtles.

Officials hope the newly sunken ship will attract fish and divers and relieve recreational pressure on nearby natural reefs.

Explosives attached to the vessel’s hull were detonated to flood the 17,000-ton, 523-foot-long vessel that was first built as a cargo ship in World War II.

It was expected to settle on the sandy bottom in 140 feet of clear water only minutes after it was sunk.

The project has been years in the making. The cost is about $8.6 million, from acquiring the ship to cleaning it.

Officials in the Florida Keys expect it to pay dividends, up to $8 million in annual tourism-related revenue, mostly from divers flocking to get a look at the underwater spectacle and related businesses.

The idea is to not only to attract tourists, but to help protect the Keys’ natural reefs, already suffering from excessive diving, snorkeling and fishing along with warming ocean temperatures.

Joe Weatherby, project organizer at an artificial reef company called Reefmakers, said people — and fish — will now be drawn to the wreck from nearby natural coral, “giving the reef a breather, which is what it needs.”

Preparation for sinking has taken months of inspections and cleanup to remove contaminants. Workers hauled off more than a million feet of wire, 1,500 vent gaskets, dozens of watertight steel doors, 81 bags of asbestos, 193 tons of potentially cancer-causing substances, 46 tons of garbage that could come loose and float to the surface, 300 pounds of materials containing mercury and 185 55-gallon drums of paint chips.

The cleanup was performed at two Norfolk, Va., shipyards before the boat made the 1,100-mile voyage, arriving in Key West on April 22. Permitting was required from 18 local, state and federal agencies.

The Vandenberg began as the Gen. Harry Taylor and was later commissioned by the Army as a transport vessel, ferrying troops and supplies from San Francisco to island bases in the western Pacific Ocean in 1944.

In 1945, it carried troops home from Europe near the end of World War II. It was later used by the Navy as a transport ship, and was transferred to the Air Force in 1961, when it was renamed the Vandenberg.

For about 20 more years, the ship served as a missile tracker throughout the height of the Cold War and was retired in 1983.

Mac Monroe, a former mission controller aboard the Vandenberg, said he was pleased the ship won’t be turned into scrap metal.

“It’s nice to see the old rust bucket again,” Monroe said on a recent trip to Key West to see the ship. “And it’s a positive outcome for it be sunk and become something useful again.”

Organizers say it will serve as “the anchor” to the region’s wide array of existing sunken vessels and wrecks from Key Largo to Key West, where some estimate there’s a shipwreck about every 300 yards.

The rusty hulk is now tied up at a dock awaiting its final resting place on the ocean floor.

The Vandenberg sinking apparently went more smoothly than that of the Spiegel Grove off Key Largo in 2002.

That 510-foot decommissioned landing ship dock partially sank upside-down, hours before an attempt to scuttle it to create an artificial reef.

The sudden sinking sent 40 workers onboard scrambling for safety and left the ship’s bow sticking out of the water for three weeks.

The first-largest intentionally sunk artificial reef is the USS Oriskany, which was sent to the bottom of the ocean three years ago off the coast of Pensacola Beach in the Florida Panhandle.

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Goombay Summer Fest, originally the Key West African-American Heritage Festival has grown over the years and evolved into an educational as well as cultural experience. This year the Goombay Committee has decided to broaden our scope and take the show on the road and sponsor a cruise to the Bahamas to show our Bahamian Brothers and Sisters the tourist trade we promised them is a two way street.

March 30th, through April 5th, 2009 a group of fifteen Key West Goombay Committee Members, family and friends, went on a Caribbean cruise to Mexico and Jamaica now; we want to share with you the incredible experience we had just call Melissa (305) 509- 0016 or email us at goombay-festival@comcast.net for the links to the booking website that we will be using.

Goombay, Key West’s local favorite street festival dates are October 23rd & 24th, 2009. We start the fall events with the Community Fishing Party October 11, 2009 at one of the locals favorite fishing holes; to be announced only days before the event. In Bahama Village we call it the “Goombay Community Fishing Party”; . This event is for the whole family, its fishing, dancing, card games, food, drinks and good ole fashion family fun (Bring your own cooler & fishing supplies).

This will be our 29th anniversary celebration. “29 YEARS AND STILL THE LOCALS FAVORITE STREET FESTIVAL” We want to give you an opportunity to be a part of this local favorite cultural celebration. In the past we have featured headline acts such as Sweet Emily, Geno D and the Spank Band and the Royal Bahamas Police Force Band. This year we will keep it local. Giving you the best of the best of All of South Florida.

October 16th is the VIP reception and block party in front of the Coral City Elks Lodge, 1107 Whitehead Street, our official headquarters. The Opening Ceremony will be held 6 PM at the main stage on Emma Street in front of the VFW on Emma Street, There will be local officials, gospel choirs and open microphone opportunities for local talent to perform on the stage. Friday and Saturday is the Street Fair where vendors from all over the world display their wares for you to purchase.

Since these cultural exchanges began both the Bahamas and Key West have benefited. Many independent groups out of Key West have sponsored cruises to the Bahamas usually leaving from Miami or Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and our committee is in the planning stages of a cruise to the Bahamas from Key West. Goldie’s Bahamas Seafood Restaurant (a vendor from the Bahamas that participates in our event annually) has opened a location in Miami that we patronize and we have a contingency that attends the Island Roots Festival annually. Last year the City Commissioner from our district (The Honorable Clayton Lopez) who, happens to be a member of the Coral City Elks Lodge and Commissioner Mark Rossi (a sponsor of our event annually) where among that group.

We have a lot in common with the Bahamas; our small Black Community is filled with descendants of the Bahamas and when you come to Key West you are treated as family. We are doing our part to keep culture first and keep the connection between Key West and the Bahamas. Feel free to call or email us with any suggestion or recommendations. You may contact me directly at ken@keywestelks.com.

1107 Whitehead Street
Key West, Florida 33040
View Goombay Festival on Cool Key West 

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Fantasy Fest is a ten day Halloween celebration that commences on a Friday night with the Coronation Ball, where the King and Queen on Fantasy Fest are Crowned. Fantasy Fest was conceived as a way to boost tourism in Key West. It is now the biggest event of the year, bringing some 50,000 revelers to Duval Street for the Saturday Night Parade. Much like Mardi Gras, Fantasy Fest is an Adult Event, including many Costumes, Body Painting, and Floats. Best of all, AIDS Help, The Florida Keys Children’s Shelter, and other Non Profit Organizations, benefit from this event.

Fantasy Fest 2009
Oct. 23 - Nov. 1

Theme
Villains, Vixens & Vampires

1111 12th Street, Suite 211
Key West, Florida 33040
View Fantasy Fest on Cool Key West  

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Sculpture Key West is an annual exhibition of contemporary outdoor sculpture located in Key West, Florida. The mission of Sculpture Key West is to be an important, internationally recognized platform for contemporary sculpture while educating and inspiring the community of the Florida Keys and its visitors.

In 1995, local sculptor Jim Racchi called on a handful of local sculptors to install their work on the seawall, facing the sunset at Fort Zachary Taylor State Park. The next year, as more artists wanted to join the informal exhibit, Racchi sent out postcards inviting members of the public to view the work. He called the show “Art in the Park.” Operating on a shoestring budget with local support and a lot of hard work, the exhibition gradually grew and expanded into a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization in 2002 and officially changed the name to Sculpture Key West in 2005.

Over the years, the exhibition has grown to a nationally recognized exhibition, showcasing international and world-class artists. Articles and reviews of the exhibition have appeared in such notable publications as Sculpture, Art in America, Art News, The Miami Herald, The Miami Art Guide, Delta Sky (the in-flight magazine for Delta Airlines), and more.

Participating artists have included Robert Chambers, Karlis Rekevics, Monika Goetz, Robert Hickman, Luisa Caldwell, Ralph Provisero, Gerhard Fousek, Eliza Proctor, John Petrie, Lori Nozick, Ron Fondaw, Joe Wheaton, Susan Rodgers, John Martini and many more. Jurors include Shamim Momin (2009) co-curator of the 2008 Whitney Biennial; Mary Ceruti (2008), Director of the SculptureCenter in New York; and Glen Gentele (2007), Director of the Laumeier Sculpture Park in St. Louis MO.

Where is Sculpture Key West?
The 2009 exhibition will take place at two locations: The West Martello Tower on Atlantic Blvd. near the White Street Pier and at Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park at the end of Southard Street.

When can I see the show?
Installation at the West Martello begins January 10, 2008 and will be completed by January 17th.  Installation will take place at Fort Zachary Taylor State Park from February 21-28, 2009. There will be an opening reception from 3-6 pm at the park on March 1, 2009. The hours of each venue are as follows:

• Fort Zachary Taylor is open to the public every day from 8 am to sunset (around 6 pm at this time of the year). The public can view the sculpture at any time during the exhibition.
• The West Martello is open every day, from 9:30 am – 5 pm

The exhibition runs through April 18, 2009 at all locations.

Is there an entrance fee?
Fort Zachary Taylor is a Florida State Park; their standard entrance fees apply. The cost is $1.50 per person on foot or bicycle, $3.50 for a car plus $1.50 for each person in the car.  The West Martello is free, donations are suggested.

Are the sculptures for sale?
Yes!  Prices are listed in the free exhibition program, which you should receive when you arrive at the site.   POR means Price on Request, please contact us for this information.

I’m interested in purchasing a sculpture I saw at the exhibition. Whom should I contact?
Please contact Karley Klopfenstein at Sculpture Key West at info@sculpturekeywest.com or by phone 305-295-3800 or by mail 1011 Whitehead St. / Key West, FL 33040

I took some really great photos of the sculptures.  Can I send them to you?
Yes, please send them via email or post to info@sculpturekeywest.com or 1011 Whitehead St. / Key West, FL 33040.  We may use your photo on the website or in the catalog, with credit.

I’m interested in commissioning an artist to make something, how do I contact this person?  
You can send your request to Sculpture Key West.  We will make sure the artist is contacted.

I’ve seen some sculpture around town, is Sculpture Key West responsible for this?
Yes, we are placing some sculptures around town as part of our Community Art Program.

I know an artist (or I am an artist) who would like to participate in a future exhibition, how do I apply?  
Please read the information for artists available on this website.  Email us or call to get your name on our mailing list and you will be contacted when the next application is available, generally in July for the following year’s show.

How many of these artists are local?
Local support and participation is high, but varies from year to year depending on the works selected by the jury.  The jury panel does not take into consideration WHERE an artist lives, so all artists have an equal chance to participate.

PO Box 915
Key West, FL 33041
View Sculpture Key West on Cool Key West 

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The dramatic space known as The Cabaret at La Te Da in The Crystal Room has been a Key West landmark for over 30 years.

Over time, this esteemed venue has seen many changes from acclaimed restaurants in the early years to the famed Crystal Cafe the 1980’s.

Consistent through these changes is the striking architecture of the building; cathedral ceilings, floor to ceiling windows and the extraordinary cupola are unique in Key West.

Also consistent through the years is the offering of first class entertainment in the room.

Currently used as a state-of-the-art cabaret theater, The Crystal Room plays host to shows as diverse as renowned female impersonators singing live to headline Broadway stars and comedians.

1125 Duval Street
Key West, Florida 33040
View The Cabaret at La Te Da on Cool Key West 

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A crazy, fun Drag Queen show that involves the audience and will surely make you laugh and possibly blush.

801 Duval Street
Key West, Florida 33040
View The Cabaret at 801 Bourbon on Cool Key West 

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5901 College Road
Key West, Florida 33040
View Tennesse Williams Theatre on Cool Key West 

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KW Burlesque is a sensual, versatile, comical, multimedia and mobile theater experience! She is an ever-changing interactive vaudeville showcase spreading love for life in all of her fabulous diversity! Directed by: Christa Hunt Produced by: Marky Pierson

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Built in 1847 to aid to ships navigating dangerous reefs off the lower Keys, the Key West Lighthouse now stands sentinel over one of Florida’s finest historical sites.

The tower was originally 46 feet high and powered by 15 oil lamps with 15-inch reflectors, but was extended to 86 feet in 1894. Inside visitors now climb 88 iron steps to the observation deck that affords spectacular views.

The tower and nearby Keeper’s Quarters have been faithfully restored and maintained as they were before the lighthouse was deactivated in 1969. Many of the historic elements remain, including the pipes used to deliver acetylene gas that powered the light before it was electrified in 1927. The clapboard bungalow where the keepers and their families lived while maintaining the beacon has been recreated in turn-of-the-century style with historic furniture, furnishings and photos that provide a sense of life in Key West during that formative time.

This light station was built after the hurricane of 1846 destroyed the original 1825 tower on the coast. It is the 15th oldest surviving lighthouse in the country.

But as intriguing as the structures themselves are the lives of the keepers who climbed the steps each day to clean and fuel the lamps, especially that of Barbara Mabrity, who took over after her husband died in 1832. She tended the lamps for the 32 years until at age 82 she was fired for making statements against the Union, which controlled Key West and the lighthouse during the Civil War. When a hurricane destroyed the light station in 1846, Barbara Mabrity survived but six of her children were killed after the family sought shelter in the tower.

In 1886 the original keeper’s dwelling was torn down and replaced with the present building. After its deactivation, the Lighthouse was acquired by Monroe County. In 1972 it was leased to the Key West Art & Historical Society, which added safety features and opened it to the public in 1989. The keeper’s quarters were renovated in 1990 and opened as a museum.

In 1998 the lighthouse was nominated for inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places as a National Historic Landmark, which would put it in the same category as the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, DC.

Current features:
-The 88-step circular iron stairway leading to the lighthouse deck from which much of Key West and the nearby ocean is visible.
-A multifaceted “first-order” Fresnel lens large enough to walk into
-The fully restored and recreated house and verandah where the lighthouse keepers and their families lived.
-Instruments, maps, photos and historic lighthouse artifacts

938 Whitehead Street
Key West, Florida 33040
View Lighthouse & Keeper’s Quarters Museum on Cool Key West 

Hours
Daily 9:30am-4:30pm

Admission
Adults $10, Children $5 , Children under 6, Members & Students Free , Seniors, Locals & AAA $9

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