Mallory Square.....Sunset Celebration
Written: Nov 12 '02
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Product Rating:
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Pros: It's open every night, and it's FREE !!
Cons: Can get crowded.
The Bottom Line: The diversity of the entertainers, food, and artists are a must to see. The sunsets are glorious!!!
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| popsrocks's Full Review: Mallory Square, Key West |
The first time at Mallory Square I didn't know what to expect. I had read about it but being there is something else again.
This past April and then again in August my wife and I spent time down in Southern Florida and particularly in Key West, the home of Mallory Square.
A LITTLE HISTORY
For hundreds of years people watched sunsets from the west side of Key West. This is where every night the sun goes down in glory. It was said that the tradition of applause as the last piece of the sun disappears behind the horizon, was started by Tennessee Williams while sitting down with a gin and tonic.
The modern day Mallory Square started in the sixties when the counter culture movement began and "hippies" started their quest for paradise. Key West became a place to be. As the seventies and eighties came along there was a "No vendor" rule established. Though it was somewhat enforced the vendors kept setting up their wares. Hey, it was a quick buck for those who lived on a shoestring budget. It also started attracting artists. This actually became a problem because there was no order. The city wanted to close it down but at the same time realized it's potential.
ARTISTS UNITE
A group of artists wanting to keep the integrity of the artistic forum established a non-profit organization CPS, the Cultural Preservation Society. In 1984 it gained control of the Mallory Square vendors and artists. It is through this Society that vendors and artists are chosen. They continue to perform these duties today.
As the artists and vendors defined themselves as permanent players the crowds continued to grow. They went there for the Sunset Celebration and the street entertainers.
SUN SET CELEBRATION BEGINS
Every night two hours before sunset the artists and vendors set up shop. As the people come in they start the shows and sell their wares. The area is about the size of a football field. It is all red brick from the dock on the west and continues about seventy yards to the east. The north south boundaries are about one hundred yards. This is my calculation, not actual specs.
The area is kept very clean. Any trash is picked up and there are plenty of trash cans around. There are public restrooms and those of restaurants etc all nearby.
The vendors all have their spots. It is done through a sort of lottery with the best places going to those who have been there the longest.
ENTERTAINERS
One of those people is Will Soto. He is one of the founders of the CPS. He puts on perhaps the best show on the square. Right along the dock he sets up a high wire and does an act of walking the wire, juggling, and keeping everyone well entertained with his patter. After the sun goes down he continues his antics juggling with torches while on the wire.
Nearby we saw Dominique the Cat Man. We saw him in April. He was not there in August when we were there the second time. Maybe you will catch the show. I know the every cat I have ever owned had me trained to feed them and let them in and out at there call. Dominique actually has his cats trained to do tricks!! I have never seen anything like it. Have you ever seen a cat jump through a hoop when told? They do all kinds of tricks.
It's a fun show and people are amazed. At the end of this show as with the others the hat is passed. Be sure to have a pocket of bills for the night. Be as generous as you can to these people. It's wonderful to see unique and good talent every night.
Another guy we saw in August was Michael Patrick. He is a black guy who has fun using his race for humour. All is done in fun and quite funny. He does go on a bit long with his act but the finally is great. He has himself put in a straight jacket, chains over that, and then hung upside down. He then has a count down to see if he can get out. Wala!! He does it!!
There are all kinds of entertainers around. We saw a great act with a bicycle guy, I never got his name. He did all kinds of tricks and jumps over live volunteers.
Look for the Silver Statue. This is an act that is a riot. The statue inter acts with people with very subtle movements. Be sure to bring your camera.
As I was walking I suddenly see a guy playing bagpipes. He is known as the Southern Most Bagpiper. He's all dressed up kilts and all playing his tunes.
All kinds of other acts are going on also. Singers, guitarists, and all kinds of musicians abound.
TWILIGHT PERSONS
You will also see what they call the Twilight persons These are persons who do their act of talent quietly without much fan fare. These are psychics, tarot card readers, palm readers, caricature artists, Air brush artist, etc.
THINGS FOR SALE
There are all kinds of vendors around selling jewelry, beads, tee shirts etc. There are some wonderful Photos for sale. Look at the artwork of the many painters too.
It's a lot of fun there. Maybe you can go wild and get a Henna Tattoo. These stay on for about a week.
FOOD
One of my favorite parts is the food vendors. Try some Conch fritters, they are very good. Available are funnel cakes, Shrimp Kabobs, Corn on the cob, Falafel, all kinds of flavored soft pretzels, glazed almonds etc. These are all fresh and delicious. Some people have dinner before the sunset and then go to the square to walk it off and have dessert. Others still watch the sun go down and then go for dinner or go up nearby Duval Street where the town comes alive with all kinds of music.
THE SUNSET
The biggest highlight on the square however is the sunset. Some come early and find themselves a nice spot with feet dangling over the docks waiting for the magical moment. Others just move into position as the sun takes it's final track.
All eyes are to the west. As the sun gently goes down all is quiet. It's almost like a silent prayer time to me. Once the last speck of sun disappears all hands go together in applause. This happens every single night. It's wonderful!!
People then disperse. Some to watch more talent and shows and others to move on for the night. The square is officially open two hours after sunset.
SO YOU WANT TO ENTERTAIN OR SELL SOMETHING?
The Cultural Preservation Society is always looking for fresh and new talent. Just call 305 292-7700 and they will give you details. If your talent is what they want they will give you an area to "Do your thing"
If you are looking to be a vendor get in touch with the Sunset Participation Committee at
Sunset Celebration
PO Box 4837
Key West, FL. 33041
COME ON DOWN
Mallory Square is a lot of fun. It's great for the whole family. It is also the place where cruise ships come in for the day. The area can become very crowded but the "Carnival" atmosphere is always fun. Do know that up on Duval Street at night there are some characters or situations you may not want your children to see. Down at the square we really didn't find this as a problem. So as a tv host always used to say, "Come on down".
Recommended:
Yes
Best Suited For: Couples
Best Time to Travel Here: Jun - Aug
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