The ‘Conch Republic’ is turning 40. Here’s how to celebrate like a local in Key West
.jpg "The Conch Republic Independence Celebration features events in Key West that run through April 24, 2022.")
Key West is known far and wide as the “Conch Republic.”
It’s a brand touted as an independent state of mind, spiked with some silliness, a farcical military force and its own flag.
The commemorative T-shirts, hats and flags aside, the Conch Republic is also a group of locals who celebrate a defining moment in Key West history when the city proclaimed it would secede from the Union.
But we’ll get to that in a bit. First, let’s get to the party.
The 40th annual Conch Republic Independence Celebration lasts 10 days in Key West, a schedule that includes parties, special sails, sea battle reenactments, contests, a street fair and a boat parade. Events double as fundraisers for local nonprofits.
It all started Friday and events last through April 24.
This year, organizers are recruiting for a new Conch Republic military division: a K-9 unit. Other stuff: an Easter brunch, a Cuban sandwich contest, a pirate ball and a conch shell-blowing contest, of course.
“Conch Republic: The Musical,” which chronicles the secession stunt, is also showing this week.
But back to the secession thing.
In March 1982, the U.S. Border Patrol put up a roadblock to search vehicles headed to or from the Florida Keys for drugs and other illegal trafficking.
That caused a traffic nightmare, all the way down to tourist-dependent Key West. Tourists on their way down took notice. Keys business owners and community leaders feared revenues going south.
“As the stories of the traffic jam poured out across the nation and the world, visitors started canceling reservations to come to the Keys,” according to the Conch Republic’s history page.
People took action.
After a Key West lawyer’s filing in the federal court in Miami went nowhere, then-Mayor Dennis Wardlow said the sentence that locals still love to repeat:
“We are going to go home and secede.”
On April 23, 1982, people for the first time raised the Conch Republic flag over City Hall, proclaiming independence — and setting off a successful PR stunt.
It was a short-lived rebellion.
“Wardlow surrendered and demanded foreign aid from the United States [which we are still waiting for!]” the Conch Republic says on its website. “The roadblock was quietly removed and the glorious Conch Republic was born.”
One of the group’s mottos is that they “seceded where others have failed.”
Event highlights
There are dozens of ways to take part in the celebration. Here are a few standouts.
Art and Craft Fair
Saturday, April 16, 10 a.m. -5 p.m.
Duval Street, between Eaton and Greene streets
This street fair features the works of local artists. You can also pick up Conch Republic souvenirs and buy tickets to events.
Drag Races
Saturday, April 16, 2-6 p.m.
Drag queens in their best high heels and dresses are the stars in these competitive races and obstacle courses on Duval Street.
Boat Parade
Key West Harbor
Friday, April 22, 6-7 p.m.
Check out this collection of boaters flying their Conch Republic flags from the water. Viewing locations include Mallory Square and Ocean Key Resort and Spa, Zero Duval St.
Blue Ribbon Bed Races
Saturday, April 23, 3 p.m. start time
Duval Street, between Olivia and Southard streets
Teams decorate a bed and shove it down the street for prizes.
Schooner Wharf Wreckers Cup Race Series
Sunday, April 24, 1 - 4 p.m.
Schooner Wharf Bar, 202 William St.
This friendly race reenacts the Key West tradition of salvaging goods from shipwrecks, with a seven-mile race from Key West Harbor to Sand Key. Watch aboard ships like the America 2.0 or other schooners, sloops or catamarans. Best viewing is at Mallory Square.
This story was originally published April 15, 2022 at 4:10 PM.
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