Key West Festival

[GenieDana]

I just found out...

June 7th, 2003 marks the start of Gay Pride Week in Key West (http://www.pridefestkeywest.com/). This just happens to coincide with when the Magic is in Port (Sunday June 8th....after a "wild" Saturday Night in the Conch Republic).

How over-the-top is this???, and will I have to explain some things to my DD9, DS7 or DD3 ??? Or, would I be better off to leave them on the ship that day, and avoid the issue all together (until they are old enough to comprehend)?

 

[Buckaroo's Dad]

Hi GenieDana!

How over-the-top is this???

The answer probably lies in your personal definition of "over-the-top." I doubt you'll have to contend with any blatently lascivious behavior, but there will undoubtedly be a preponderance of same-sex couples walking hand-in-hand or arm-in-arm.

Shirley, owner of The Perfect Gift, grew up in Key West. If/when she views this thread, I'm sure she'll be able to better address your questions!

 

[emmak]

Not sure about the gay pride week but we have been in Key West for the annual Fantasy Fest and it is a little "crazy" for curious children.
There were many people walking the streets in thongs (mostly males) and a few with only tank tops...no thong!!!
There were also plenty of scantily clad women walking around.
My kids were 3 and 1 and my three year old pointed out the "naked" people.
I would not bring my kids back during the fest and I can only imagine that the behavior and dress would be even more "uninhibited" for gay pride week.

 

[snelsonbrown]

Hi - this is Shirley and yes I can comment on ALL or at least most of them and that is of the activities that occur in my hometown - let me give just a tidbit here in life after the Navy in Key West - after the Navy was pulled out of KW, we were going under - there was little work, little tourist etc - one day the "gays" came in and turned KW into something everyone wanted to be a part of tho not in the beginning - the conchs felt we were losing our real idenity unfortunalty outof towners saw the smell of making monies and it has become a circus - yes the Fanatasy Fest is NOT a place for kids to be, I know that first hand - also remember many of those that arrive dressed or rather without dressing are from out of town - as for the Gay Pride I have been down there when it was occuring and I did not see anything out of place in fact to be more truthful, I saw a lot more happen out on the South beach when nothing special was being held - I have found the people at GayPride week as was mentioned holding hands etc, but never saw anything get out of hand -Yes I did see them "dressed" up, but I can not say that it was offensive, but I try super hard not to make judgement against anyone's beliefs etc - now it has been about 3 years since I was down there when this festival was being held so I do not know if it too has become a circus - I know it is hard to know what to do when it comes to the children for they are young for such a short time and have so much facing them as they grow up - I guess I am one that still wants them to believe in Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny and fairies for as long as they can - right -wrong or indifferent - I can not judge for my world of friends engulps from every walk of life, world and their lfriendship is genuine.
Sorry this was so long but this I say from my heart to you - I love my hometown, but I do not like what it has become - I often wonder what my families would think if they saw it as it is now -
Key West at one time was a magical and real paradise island - I know for I was born and raised there 68 years ago.
Love ya all
always
Shirley

 

[GenieDana]

I guess no one can predict what someone else will do... To each his own.

I suppose it would be irresponsible as parents not to scout a little bit first, and if things are not "over-the-top" then I'll bring the kids. Besides, other than a few attractions, not much for the younger ones in KW anyway.

We are looking forward to the Wrecker's Museum and Fort Zachary Taylor; pehaps this would not interest the revelers too much.

Maybe the wild ones will party hard Saturday, and sleep all day Sunday so this won't be an issue!

 

[Makaroni5]

Shirley - I just love your hometown. I've been there 3 times in the last 5 yrs. I am Emmak's mom (from above post) and we were there, as she said, at Fantasy Fest and I think we only saw one other child anywhere around. At the time we went, we didn'
t realize there was such a thing as Fantasy Fest, no less being there at that time. The only reason we were able to get a reasonable hotel at that time, we now know, was that it was the Oct. after Sept. 11 tragedy and people were not traveling. They lost quite a bit of business from the tourist trade.

We had a great time and were quite surprised, to say the least, when we saw the street parties and some of the sites. We would never have brought children there had we known and will never again. Although most of what we saw was missed by the children, the 3 yr. old did see a couple of things we would have rather he didn't. He didn't seem to be too phased by it and forgot all about it right after.

Not knowing what the old Key West was like, we have nothing to judge it by only to say that we do enjoy going there and everything it has to offer. We like open-air cafes and people mulling around in the streets, Mallory Square sunset, Hemingway's House, Sloppy Joes, Captain Tony's, Margaritaville, The Summer White House, etc. It probably isn't for everyone and certainly not always for kids, but I for one, love your hometown.

 

[snelsonbrown]

Hi Mak
I believe everyone that goes to Key west, that is the adults, does love Key West - it has a flair and a laid back atmosphere. but again not a place for kids - well some parts are - the old locals do not go to what is referred to for the past years as "Old Town" - I grew up with all the places that you mentioned - in fact my grandfather was a "mastero" at the San Carlos school and he taught Pauline Hemingway spanish at his home (we only lived 3 blocks north of them) for a total of 25 cents a lesson - children were not allowed into the areas where, as the locals called it, badness happened - anywhere there was a bar, we had to be chaparoned - Key West was known for having awesome street parties - such as the conga lines, dancing in the street - in fact this was all done from one end of Duval Street to another - I want you to know that I was not putting down my hometown for once living there, its a place that burns in the heart to get back to - I will be going on May 1st for my 50th class reunion - look how we are, we are all still in touch with the kids we grew up with since we were born - you will love Key West and you will see stuff that makes your eyes widen, but that is Cayo Hueso aka Key West - do I love my town I SURE DO - would I live back "home" I sure would, but that is impossible - anyhow thanks for taking the time to listen to an ol' conch that when they get started on talking about home - can't shut up.
Have a wonderful fun filled week
Love always
Shirley

 

[Makaroni5]

Shirley - didn't think for a moment you were putting down your hometown, how could you, it's a great place to have grown up. My hometown in CT is not unlike your's in the respect that I also have the same friends I grew up with since birth and 1st and 2nd grade. People can't believe that I live in the same town and stayed friends with my "1st" friends.

"New friends are silver but old friends are gold", that is so true. We love making new friends from all over the world, but how wonderful to have your "old friends" to reminisce with about the "good old days". I also love my hometown, and although it has changed much over the years, I still have the memories that I made there as a young child and continue to do to this day. Glad to see I'm not the only one, good for you. Enjoy your class reunion! Barb