We will be in KW for the annual Conch Republic Celebration. Any not to be missed activities?

what is the drag race like on Sunday?

thanks for your help!

pat from NH

From what I hear, the Drag Race is a riot, and definitely not to be missed. Of course, it depends on how funny you find a few dozen drag queens decked out in their race-day finery... the "World's Longest Parade" down Duval on Tuesday the 23rd is great fun. So's the Great Battle for the Conch Republic on Friday.

Read more about the Conch Independence Festival here.

And remember - in the Conch Republic they say "WE SECEDED WHERE OTHERS FAILED"

Do not miss the Bloody Battle on Friday. It starts around 6pm at the Gulf (sunset side) and is a riot. If you realy want to participate get to the Ocean Key Pier or reserve a table at the Pier House for dinner on the deck. But be ready to get soaked!

Whats the Bloody Battle? Sounds like a mess!

The Bloody Battle is great! The Conch Republic Navy is annually 'attacked' by the U.S. Coast Guard as it, led by the Flagship Schooner Wolf, makes its way through Key West Harbor.

What's it attacked with? How about stale Cuban bread, ripe tomatoes, pickled eggs, peach and pear halves, and other 'approved ammo.'

And hey, this year the dreaded Coast Guard is allowing spectators onshore participate in the action - from Mallory Square, the Ocean Key Resort and the Hilton's Sunset Pier.

So go on, interested! If you can get to the Keys, get out there and 'defend' the Conch Republic! They have not yet begun to fight! (this year anyway...)

Here's a quick run-down of the last weekend of the Conch Republic Independence Celebration - at noon today, the Raising of the Colors at Fort Taylor, the Bloody Battle begins about 7pm but you'll want to get there earlier, then the Victory Party afterword at the Schooner Wharf Bar.

Saturday, 10am to 5pm is the Craft & Food Fest, Noon to 5pm is the Lower Duval Crawl (oh yeah!), at 1pm a Pedi-Cab downhill race, 3-7pm is a fiddler's contest at The Green Parrot, 4pm the Red Ribbon Bed Race, 6-11pm is the chili cook-off, and Schooner Wharf's Pirate's Ball & Pig Roast starts at 7pm.

Sunday, at 10am, Blue Heaven is having their annual pancake eating contest, there's a car show at Noon at Schooner Wharf, final Wrecker's Race at 1pm, at 4pm is the dedication of the Peace Pole, and 7pm the Awards Ceremony for the Wrecker's Race.