Those enjoying New Year’s Eve in subtropical Key West enjoyed some of the quirky warm-weather takeoffs at New York City’s traditional Times Square “ball drop.” This includes his 25th annual “drop” of a drag his performer called “Sushi.” – heel shoes.
Thousands flocked to Key West’s famous Duval Street outside the Bourbon Street pub complex to see Red Shoe Drop starring Gary Marion, which depicts sushi perched on giant ruby shoes.
This descent will likely be the last for Sushi, as the legendary drag queen has announced plans to hand over the lead role to a successor.
Dressed in a sumptuous “Silver Anniversary” ensemble worthy of the 25th “drop,” Sushi presided over festivities and live entertainment before being dropped off the complex’s balcony seconds before midnight.
Key West revelers celebrated as giant conch shells, a symbol of the Florida Keys, descended onto the flat roof of author Ernest Hemingway’s former hangout, Sloppy Joe’s Bar.
Other scheduled island city ‘drops’ include a giant replica Key Lime wedge, some ‘flight attendants’ on replica aircraft, imitation tuna, and pirates descending from the masts of tall ships. It included a woman dressed as the daughter of
Elsewhere in the Florida Keys, waterfront fireworks displays and countdown parties welcomed 2023.
