Dark Was the Night 2016

What is it about dropping things from the sky at mid-night to ring in the New Year, and then lighting up the sky with fireworks? New York City is the best known, of course, for the dropping of the crystal ball in Times Square. But did you know that the tiny island of Key West, Florida, the southernmost City in the United States, has three of the most outrageous 'sky dropping' rituals you can imagine? Key West is an exotic island, only two miles by four miles, with a diverse culture that's as quirky and creative as it gets. It's also known for over-the-top parties, and New Year's Eve is one of the best times ever. Here are three of the most thrilling choices: The descent of a giant red high heel shoe holding the exotic drag queen, Miss Sushi, in the 800 block of Upper Duval Street. Crews from CNN are on hand to feature this event to the world; The dropping of a super-size "Conch Shell" in the 200 block of Duval Street; And the lowering of a glamorous pirate wench from a tall schooner's mast in the island's Historic Seaport. Crowds swarm at all of the come-as-you-are events and are garbed in everything from formal attire to bathing suits. The following poem captures the essence of the wondrous New Years Eve night in Old Town Key West. T'was the night before New Years, when all through the house, Not a creature was sleeping, not even my spouse? The champagne was set on the table with care, In hopes 'Father Time' would soon be there. Our friends were all dressed in their very best threads, While visions of fireworks danced in their heads. And Papa in his boxers, and I in my wrap, Had just settled our brains for a pre-party nap. When down in Old Town there arose such a clatter, I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter. I jumped on my bike and I rode like a flash, Straight down Duval Street, I made a mad dash. The moon on the lanes led most of the way, For I'd lost my bike-light that very same day. What suddenly appeared to my eyes on the scene, But a giant red high heel, and saucy drag queen? With Anderson Cooper, so lively and Gucci, I knew in a moment it must be Miss Sushi. More rapid than eagles her coursers they came, All the 801 girls, as she called them by name! "Now Josie! now, Kylie! now, Elle and Cassy! On, Majon! On, Marilyn! You're all looking so classy! To the top of the balcony! To the top of the wall! Now get ready everyone! The shoe's gonna fall!" As palm fronds that before a hurricane fly, I jumped back on my bike and looked to the sky. Much to my wonderment just down Duval, A giant Conch Shell was strung high on the wall! It appeared to be twinkling upon the roof-top, At the strike of midnight it was scheduled to drop! As I drew in my head, and was turning around, The crowds were all swarming in downtown Old Town. I jumped back on my bike and rode toward the wharf, To take in the schooners and grab a quick quart. When off in the distance I heard even more clamor, Way up in the yard-arms was a wench with glamour? Her eyes-how they twinkled! her smile how merry! Her cheeks were like roses, her hair like a fairy! Her beautiful mouth was drawn up like a bow, And her perfect teeth were white as the snow. The schooners back-stay she held tight in one hand, With a sword in the other, she pointed at a rock band. She had a glistening corset and a fine feathered cap, Fishnet stockings and boots to bat! She was gorgeous and happy and giggling at us all, And I realized that she too, would take the midnight fall! A wink of her eye and a twist of his head, Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread. I sprang back on my bike, to the wench sent my best, With visions of stuff dropping from skies in Key West, Toward my house I rode back in the dark starry night, Happy New Years to all, and to all a good-night." Cindy Rhoades, Ph.D. has been an active professional in the vacation rental industry since 1994 in Key West and the Florida Keys. Her boutique business represents over 80 exclusive properties and focuses on marketing, renting, and managing privately owned historic and mid-century houses as short-term vacation rentals in Key West, Florida.