46th Annual Conch Shell Blowing Contest

Key West Day 123- 124

Saturday March 8th

Every evening at Boca Chica, the sound of Conch shells can be heard to herald the setting of the sun. We’ve been entertained for the past few evenings by cruisers on “C” dock practicing their act to compete in the 46th Annual Conch Shell Blowing Contest, called the "Conch Honk." We went to the event at Sunset Pier in Key West this afternoon to cheer our group on.

The contest is sponsored by the Old Island Restoration Foundation and celebrates the historic importance of the conch in the Keys. According to their website, “Far reaching sounds from conch shells were used by the Calusa Indians for communication, by sailors as fog horns, and by early settlers to signal salvagers that a sinking ship was spotted offshore. The conch is deeply entwined in Key West’s heritage and tradition.” As well as savoring conch meat in fritters and chowder, native-born islanders proudly call themselves “Conchs.” The Keys are known as the Conch Republic (more history on that later).

At the conclusion of the competition, while winners were being selected, entertainment was provided by a talented senior citizen, Auwina Weed. She was amazing, playing actual songs on the Conch such as the Grand March from Aida, When the Saints Go Marching In, and Mary Had A Little Lamb. Our “Conch Honkers” held their own! The “Boca Chica Conch Players” won first place in the group competition and Angie won first place for women.

Sunday March 9th - Hogfish Bar and Grill for Breakfast

At the risk of receiving absolutely no sympathy from my northern family and friends, it was a nippy 62 when we got up this morning. For the first time in weeks we fired up our diesel furnace to take the chill off.

A number of our fellow cruisers have raved about great Sunday breakfasts at the Hogfish Bar and Grill -- complete with free Bloody Mary’s or Mimosas. This morning we headed for Safe Harbor on Stock Island with Sheila and Jim to check it out. The restaurant is an unpretentious locals’ spot with a laidback friendly atmosphere. A number of colorful locals were already sitting at the bar when we arrived at 9AM. We sat outdoors under a roof, bundled up in sweaters and sweatshirts, at a picnic table. Their reputation is well earned. Breakfast was excellent, complete with Cuban toast, and service was great.