Conch Republic Independence Celebration Kick-Off Party
& Conch Shell Blowing Contest
April 17th

Kick - Off Party and Conch Shell Blowing Contest Schooner Wharf Conch Republic Independence Celebration Photos

As if Key West wasn�t full of enough hot air�.
 

Schooner Wharf Bar wants to harness it all for the traditional start of the Conch Republic Independence Celebration at the annual Conch Shell Blowing Contest on Friday, April 17th at 7 p.m.

Locals, visitors and any other blowhard can compete for prizes awarded for the longest, loudest and most musical trumpet of Key West�s namesake mollusk.

Six winners will take home gifts from Cruzan Rum and Landshark Lager, water adventures compliments of Sebago Watersports, Sunset Watersports, Spirit of Independence, America 2.0 and other treasures courtesy of Schooner Wharf Bar.
 

The colorful Caribbean Queen Junkanoos are a movable feast of traditional Bahamian music and acoustic instruments. The parade will march through Schooner Wharf from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m.
 

Live music 7:00pm-1:00am (with a break for the Junkanoo Band) there will be an evening showcase by multiple gold and platinum recording artist Paul Cotton and his band is to highlight the entertainment schedule. Cotton is best known as the primary songwriter, lead guitarist and lead vocalist for the country rock band Poco. Expect tunes ranging from Poco�s �Heart of the Night� and �Crazy Love� to new originals. Add in tributes to Paul�s roots in Buffalo Springfield and Illinois Speed Press, and everyone is in for a musical treat!
 

When you�re finished blowing and listening to Conchs, head over to the Schooner Wharf Galley for conch fritters and conch chowder and other tasty fare.