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Placeholder Parade Party and Best viewing and Schoon Wharf Bar Harbor Walk of Lights throughout the Holiday Season https://www.schoonerwharf.com/special.htm#current

DAILY 2:00 PM – 9:00 PM CRIC 2024 HQ & WELCOME CENTER at the Key West Historic Seaport, foot of Elizabeth & Greene. The place to visit to pick up your “OFFICIAL Conch Republic” Citizen Passports, Souvenirs, Merchandise, Event Tickets, and Complimentary CRIC 2024 Program Guide. DAY & SUNSET SAILS, SNORKEL & DIVE TRIPS, PARASAILING & MORE Take to the sea aboard a majestic schooner, including Danger, When & If, Malabar X, Jolly II Rover, Spirit of Independence & America, luxury catamaran Argo Navis or Sloop High Tide. Book passage with Danger Charters, Sunset Sail Key West, Fury Catamarans, Sunset Watersports, Sebago, Barefoot Billy’s Watersports, Jolly II Rover, and Spirit of Independence online. FRIDAY, APRIL 19th 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM CONCHY BEACH CLEANUP across from Salute! On the Beach, 1000 Atlantic Blvd. Sponsored by the CR Green Ops & Key West Ploggers and Help Keep the Conch Republic Beautiful! For more info, visit CityOfKeyWest-Fl.gov or DM Plogging in the Keys. FREE. 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM OPENING CEREMONY & RAISING OF THE COLORS at Mallory Square, 400 Wall St. This light-hearted ceremony celebrates the 42nd anniversary of our independence. Ceremony includes the CR Pledge of Allegiance, Battle Hymn & Conch Shell-Horn Salute. SATURDAY, APRIL 20th **NEW EVENT** 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM 1ST Annual CONCH REPUBLIC PICKLEBALL TOURNAMENT at the Higg’s Beach. Sponsored by Sobek Pickleball Academy and Key West First Legal Rum Distillery. Stay tuned for more details! 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM CONCH CRAWL BAR STROLL, RUM SALUTE & DISTILLERY TOUR through Old Town. Learn how rum is distilled and visit storied saloons. Tickets include a Conch Crawl tee-shirt (while supply lasts) and a drink at each stop. For more info, call: 305 509 9775. 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM 40TH Annual CR DRAG RACES ON DUVAL at Bourbon Street Pub, 724 Duval St. Don your high heels & best frock and enter… or cheer on the hottest drag queens as they go heel to heel for a series of races & obstacle courses. For more info, call: 305 747 0343. SUNDAY, APRIL 21st 5:00 PM – 7:30 PM JAZZ IN THE GARDENS HOTEL, 526 Angela St. The d’vine Wine Gallery, set amongst an enchanting tropical garden, is the perfect place to enjoy a glass of wine while listening to great live music with world renowned jazz artists. For more info, visit: GardensHotel.com. FREE (Cash Bar). MONDAY, APRIL 22nd 5:00PM-7:00 PM CONCH REPUBLIC K-9 MUSTER. (not confirmed) TUESDAY APRIL 23rd 5:00 PM – 6:00PM 42ND INDEPENDENCE DAY CEREMONY at USCGC INGHAM Museum Ship Truman Waterfront Pier, Foot of Southard. Celebrate with CR Military Brass and Dignitaries. Live music with Sir CW Colt. Sponsored by Key West First Legal Rum Distillery and TikiManRadio.com. FREE (Cash Bar). 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM CONCH REPUBLIC MILITARY MUSTER & CONCH-TAIL PARTY aboard USCGC INGHAM Museum Ship, Truman Waterfront. Bend elbows with CR Military Admirals, Generals, Ambassador & Island Dignitaries. Sip Truth Serum and enjoy an “Auborne Skies.” 8:00 PM – 9:00 PM MANDATORY CAPTAINS’ MEETING CR NAVAL PARADE, USCGC Ingham Meet with event organizers to review pre-parade staging and line up and pick up complimentary CR flags from Secretary of State, CDRE James Gilleran, CRN. FREE (Cash Bar). WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24th 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM HOT HAVANA NIGHT DANCE PARTY WITH CARIBE OF KEY WEST Location TBA. Salsa the night away and enjoy RUM and set ups. Bid on authentic Cuban Treasure, enjoy Cuban Cuisine and cigars under the stars. THURSDAY, APRIL 25TH **NEW EVENT** 2:00 PM – 7:00 PM CR FARMERS MARKET at Truman Waterfront Park, foot of Southard St. Shop fresh produce, specialty foods, unique handmade arts & crafts. Enjoy live music at the TikiMan.com Tent. For more info, visit: KeysArtisanMarket.com FREE 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM PARADE PRE-PARTY & CR MILITARY COMMISSIONING CEREMONY, at The Mansion on the Sea, 1400 Duval St. Mingle with Admirals, Generals, Pirates and Parade Participants. Enjoy live music and celebratory libations with a spectacular ocean view. 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM DUVAL STREET MILE FUN RUN Sprint the length of paradise, from the Atlantic Ocean to the Gulf of Mexico. Let’s see who’s faster, the Navy, the Coast Guard, or Air Force. Find out which bar staff is the swiftest afoot, which fitness center is the fittest, and which class of students can step the liveliest. 8:00 PM – 9:00 PM WORLD’S LOOOOONGEST PARADE on Duval. This world-famous, quirky, and colorful parade celebrates our CR Independence and runs from the Atlantic Ocean to the Gulf of Mexico, ending at Schooner Wharf Bar, KW Historic Seaport. Come early and meet parade participants and their unique & quirky modes of transport. Parade musters at 7:00 PM. FREE 9:00 PM – LATE PARADE AFTER-PARTY & AWARDS CEREMONY, at Schooner Wharf Bar, ‘Official CRIC 2024 Party Headquarters,’ 202 William St., Historic Seaport. Dance to great live music under the stars, mingle with CR Dignitaries & Military High Command, Pirates & Patriots. Parade prizes for Best “Conch-cept,” Most Original & Most Creative parade entries. For info, visit SchoonerWharf.com. FREE (Cash Bar.) FRIDAY, APRIL 26TH 7:00 PM 42ND Annual CR INDEPENDENCE NAVAL PARADE, in Key West Harbor. Watch the majestic CR Naval Fleet, Privateers, Charter Boats, and Private vessels sail past Mallory Square Sunset Celebration, then cheer them on as they ready themselves for battle. View from shore, book passage on a passenger boat for the parade, or join the parade in your own vessel, decked out with colorful Conch Republic flags and celebrate 42 Years of FUN-Dependence at sea! FREE. 7:00 PM 42nd Annual REENACTMENT OF THE GREAT SEA BATTLE OF THE CONCH REPUBLIC, In, alongside and above Key West Harbor the Battle is a highlight of our celebration. This large scale, hilarious harbor battle pits the CR’s Military Forces (Air Force, Army & Navy), along with CR Privateers of all shapes and sizes, against their valiant foe – non-other than a United States Coast Guard Cutter. Sponsored Conch Republic Military Forces, USCG Station Key West & TikiManRadio.com Best viewing at Mallory Square Sunset Celebration. FREE (Cash Bar.) 8:00 PM – LATE 42nd Annual “SURRENDER CEREMONY & VICTORY PARTY” CONCH REPUBLIC SEA BATTLE at Schooner Wharf Bar, ‘Official CRIC 2024 Party Headquarters,’ 202 William St., Historic Seaport. Witness the hilarious ‘Tongue-in-Cheek’ Surrender Ceremony of the US Coasties, to the CR Armed Forces – “A Farce to be Reckoned With!” For more info, visit: SchoonerWharf.com. FREE (Cash Bar). SATURDAY, APRIL 27TH **NEW EVENT** 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM 1st Annual Conch Republic Commotion on the Ocean Amateur Boxing Match, (location TBA.) Hosted by Key West Police Activities Leauge, proceeds benefit Key West Police Activities League (PAL.) Stay tuned for more info. 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM 4th Annual Conch Crawl Bar & PUP Stroll (stay tuned for more info) 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM 42nd Annual CONCH REPUBLIC BLUE RIBBON BED RACES, 801 Duval St. Said to be “The most fun you can have with your clothes on,” this zany race takes place on Duval between Olivia and Southard. Put together your own team and decorate a bed to compete for prizes in this hilarious race. Come early to meet the teams and stroll the crazy, colorful beds competing for the ‘BLUE RIBBON.’ Proceeds benefit Key West’s Sister Season, “Locals Helping Locals.” Registration at 1 PM, Race at 3 PM, Awards Ceremony at 5 PM. For more info, visit: SisterSeason.org. 7:00 – 8:00 PM 39th ANNUAL “SCHOONER WHARF WRECKERS CUP RACE SERIES” CAPTAINS’ MEETING at Schooner Wharf Bar, ‘Official CRIC 2024 Party Headquarters,’ 202 William St., KW Historic Seaport. Mandatory meeting for April 28 race in the Sail Loft. To sign up, or for more info, visit: SchoonerWharf.com. FREE (Cash Bar). 7:00 PM 37th Annual PIRATE BALL & COSTUME CONTEST at Schooner Wharf Bar, ‘Official Party Headquarters,’ 202 William St., Key West Historic Seaport. Yo Ho Ho! And a Bottle of Rum – It’s a Pirate’s Life for You! Witness swashbuckling sword play, enjoy sea shanties. Live Music, food & drink, For more info, SchoonerWharf.com. FREE (Cash Bar). SUNDAY, APRIL 28TH **NEW EVENT** 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM KEY WEST ARTISAN MARKET at Higgs Beach, 1801 White St. Where the locals meet to shop local artists, specialty food vendors, and enjoy live music. FREE. For more info, visit: KeysAritisanMarket.com. 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM 39th Annual Schooner Wharf WRECKERS RACE SERIES CUP RACE SERIES to Sand Key Lighthouse with the Schooner Wharf Wreckers Fleet. Or enter your own vessel in the final race of the 2020 season! 5:00 PM – 7:30 PM Jazz in the Gardens Hotel for the Conch Republic, 526 Angela Street. The d’vine Wine Gallery is the perfect place to enjoy a glass of wine while listening to some great live music with world renowned jazz artists. For more info, visit: GardensHotel.com. FREE (Cash Bar.) 7:00 PM 37th Annual SCHOONER WHARF WRECKERS RACE SERIES CUP “AWARDS PARTY AND CEREMONY, at Schooner Wharf Bar, ‘Official Party Headquarters,’ 202 William St., KW Historic Seaport. View video of the race while enjoying a BBQ dinner and live music. https://conchrepublic.com/events/

Mel Fisher Days in Key West is an annual tribute to the rum-and-coke drinking, gold-chain-adorned Keys character remembered as “the world’s greatest treasure hunter” whose discovery of the Nuestra Senora de Atocha shipwreck and whose life and motto, “Today’s the Day,” inspired people world-wide to follow their dreams. This year’s celebration is set for Friday, July 19. Details to follow Today’s the Day to support the annual Mel Fisher Day’s Silent Auction Charity Event which will benefit the Wesley House Family Services of Monroe County and the Michael Abt Jr. Have a Heart Foundation. https://www.melfisher.com/MOBILE/site/MelFisherDays.html

Pirates Ball and Costume Competition Begins at 7PM Daring Swordfighting and Swashbuckling Performance by The Conch Republic Privateers Pirate Costume Contest. Best Wench, Best Buccaneer, Best Pirate Mask, Cutthroat Surprise, Best Bustier A dynamic Show of Song, Swordplay and Sarcasm https://www.schoonerwharf.com/special.htm#current

The much anticipated first race of the Schooner Wharf Bar Wrecker’s Cup Race Series is scheduled for Sunday, January 28 at 1:00 p.m. The course is 7 miles from Key West Harbor to Sand Key, re-enacting the ancient wrecking tradition of Key West…a series of ruthless one way races to the reef to claim the booty. This all-in-fun race series recalls the tradition of the wreckers in the Key West of the 1800’s. Vessels laden with rich cargoes from Gulf and Caribbean ports often became victims of storm and the unmarked reefs off Key West. The first wrecker to reach the site had the responsibility to save the passengers and crew---but they also won the right to salvage the cargoes. Some historians have written that it was not unusual for 20 or 30 boats to race to a wreck. The Captains’ Meetings are held in the Sail Loft at Schooner Wharf at 7:00 p.m. the Saturday before each race. Captains enjoy complimentary Pusser’s Rum punch while reviewing race procedures. The Awards Ceremony & Party is held at 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, race day. Captains & crew can see themselves under sail while viewing film footage taken of the race by the official race committee boat. Gabriel Wright will be entertaining with current and classic favorites. Trophies and prizes are earned by the top 3 vessels in 6 to 7 different classes --schooner, multi-hull, classic, monohull 29' and under, monohull 30-39 feet, monohull 40 feet and possibly a Hobie Cat class! At the race start Key West harbor is a magnificent sight, filled with colorful sails and spinnakers on vessels ranging from 16 feet to 120 feet. https://www.schoonerwharf.com/24wreckersrace.htm

Key West wouldn't be Key West without sailors and Schooner Wharf Bar, and sailors wouldn't be sailors without rum and ropes. Watch what happens when all four of them combine on the docks at Schooner Wharf Bar, your After Sail Headquarters! Sailors and any interested challengers will frustrate themselves and entertain the crowd as they race to tie a bowline and lasso a piling. But add a shot of Mt. Gay Rum and an icy cold beer to the contest and a good time is inevitable. Entrants stand in front of an ice luge and swallow an icy shot of Mt. Gay that is poured from the top. They then have to tie a bowline and use it to lasso a piling that is on wheels, several feet away. The sailor then pulls the piling to him or her and picks up a cold beer, that is sitting on the base of the piling. They then drink the beer and turn the supposedly empty bottle upside down on their head. Our Knot & Shot Competition is a fun and good natured race against the clock and other sailors. Prizes will be given for the best times, and winners can receive great prizes from Harken yacht equipment, Sailing Services, Schooner Wharf Bar gift certificates and plenty of Mt. Gay Rum and Mount Gay XO. Spectators can enjoy the laughs and drinks while they share sailing stories with local sailors https://www.schoonerwharf.com/24knot.htm

Steam Bending Steam bending is a fun, efficient process that has been utilized in the construction of boats for generations. In this workshop, we will break down the process so that it is easily repeatable for the student to implement at home. Gain a real-world lesson in biology and chemistry as we talk plant structure and how the steaming process helps the builder tie wood into a knot. We’ll also demonstrate processes that utilize the steam maker, steam chamber, jigs, clamps, forms, and compression straps. At the end of the class, students will take home a new skill and hopefully a couple souvenirs. Saturday Summer Series: Steam Bending July 20, 2024 last day to register is July 19 9 AM – 5 PM (one hour for lunch) | $89 member, $99 non-member https://nwmaritime.org/events/steam-bending-2024/

Ye Olde Shipwright’s Tools Take a deep dive into the tool bag of a shipwright and see the variety of tools that have evolved over centuries of boatbuilding. This is a great opportunity to put your hands on tools, learn new skills, and get all your questions answered. We’ll be talking corking, measuring, gauging, planing, patterning, and so much more. Starting out with a broad lecture style introduction, we’ll then move into Q&A and finish with lots of hands-on opportunities! Saturday Summer Series:Ye Olde Shipwright’s Tools June 29, 2024 last day to register is June 28 9 AM – 5 PM (one hour for lunch) | $89 member, $99 non-member https://nwmaritime.org/events/shipwright-tools-2024/

Chesapeake Light Craft Takeover The Northwest Maritime Center is excited to partner with Chesapeake Light Craft to offer this unique workshop experience. Talented professional instructors will help you assemble your own kit from start to finish. Since 1994, CLC boatbuilding classes have launched more than a thousand boats and introduced countless people to the joys of boatbuilding. This workshop will take over the Boatshop for 4 full weeks, giving more time than a normal class setting to have access to the space, tools, and instruction they need to complete their project. Students have the option to sign up for one of two 2-week blocks, or for the entire 4 weeks. This workshop environment allows students to choose a project from Chesapeake Light Craft’s vast catalog of offerings and have the space and professional help to build it. Cost covers tuition only. Ask the Registrar about special shipping options before ordering your kit. Boatshop Build Workshop: Chesapeake Light Craft Takeover September 30-October 25, 2024 last day to register is Sept 1 8 AM – 5 PM | Per two-week block: $949 member, $999 non-member | Or per month: $1779 member, $1849 non-member https://nwmaritime.org/events/clc-takeover-2024/

Paddles, Oars, Spars, and More Weekend Workshop: Paddles, Oars, Spars, and More A crash course in how to make a square piece of wood round. This four-day course will walk you through the process of laying out and shaping spars, paddles, and oars. Students will receive demonstrations in both traditional and more contemporary building techniques while utilizing a number of hand and power tools. Students will have the choice of building a set of oars, a pair of paddles, or a small solid spar to take home, and will also get to build their own set of spar gauges to continue mastering the craft at home. Students in the class will also learn birdsmouth construction of a small mast that will be utilized as part of the Northwest Maritime Center’s fleet. September 28–October 1, 2024 last day to register is September 20 9 AM – 5 PM (one hour for lunch) | $459 member, $499 non-member https://nwmaritime.org/events/paddles-oars-spars-2024/

Wooden Boat Tools and Joinery This extended weekend open shop platform serves as an introduction to wooden boat joinery. Whether aesthetic, structural, or both—all the parts of a wooden boat fit together in a purposeful way. In this course, we aim to introduce the purpose and show the student how all the parts of a wooden boat fit together through traditional joinery. Students will develop skills using hand and power tools, through demonstrations and guided projects, and will receive an in-depth tutorial on tool care and shop safety. Students are encouraged to bring their tool kit with them, but they also are welcome to utilize all the tool resources the shop has to offer. Upon completion of the course, participants will have a beautiful mallet and bevel gauge to take home as well as a new set of skills to hone. Weekend Workshop: Wooden Boat Tools and Joinery August 15–19, 2024 last day to register is August 8 9 AM – 5 PM (one hour for lunch) | $499 member, $549 non-member https://nwmaritime.org/events/543-463-939-793-693-793-535-556-601-283/

Sunday, February 18, 2024 6:00 PM 8:00 PM The Artful Sailor Whole Earth Nautical Supply & Sail Exchange 410 Washington Street (By the Skate Park) Port Townsend, WA, 98368 United States In the annals of nautical heroism and conviction what can possibly rival the 1958 attempt of four tough, able and dedicated pacifists to sail the Golden Rule, a 34’ wooden ketch, into the grounds of imminent, nuclear bomb tests at Eniwetok, in the Marshall Islands? The crew’s story, trials and courage evokes awe, compassion and respect for peacemaking under sail as well as a deeper understanding of nuclear proliferation and warfare. This coming Summer and Fall, the Golden Rule, still plying the waters for peace, will be sailing the Salish Sea again. In the warmth and safety of The Artful Sailor’s sail loft, experience the Golden Rule’s passionate past voyages, restoration, present and future voyages through the eyes and imagery of Veterans For Peace presenter and Golden Rule crew member, Zoe Byrd. The Sea Tales on a Winter’s Eve event will be on Sunday, February 18, 2024 at 6:00 pm. A $20 donation is encouraged. Proceeds will go to The Veterans for Peace Golden Rule Project where the primary goal is to promote nuclear disarmament and peace. https://www.theartfulsailor.com/on-the-horizon/2023-02-12/sea-tales-on-a-winters-eve-h7dgw-t5fbc

How to Tie and Display Nautical Knots Workshop Saturday, August 3, 2024 10:00 AM 5:00 PM The Artful Sailor Whole Earth Nautical Supply, Sail Services & Exchange 410 Washington Street Port Townsend, WA, 98368 United States https://www.theartfulsailor.com/on-the-horizon/2024-04-06/how-to-tie-and-display-nautical-knots-workshop

Palm ‘n’ Needle Handsewing Skills Workshop Saturday, March 9, 2024 9:00 AM 5:00 PM The Artful Sailor Whole Earth Nautical Supply, Sail Services & Exchange 410 Washington Street Port Townsend, WA, 98368 United States https://www.theartfulsailor.com/on-the-horizon/2024-03-09/palm-needle-handsewing-skills-workshop

The 12th Annual Swashbuckler's Ball Saturday, January 20, 2024 8:00 pm to Midnight VIP Entry: 5:00 pm GA Entry: 7:00 pm Website: Swashbuckler's Ball Facebook: Swashbuckler's Ball Celebrate the triumphant return of Portland's Pirate Prom! Hold fast and make ready, the Swashbuckler's Ball returns for a glorious 12th year! Join the crew for Portland's Pirate Prom on Saturday, January 20th, 2024 as we return to the grand halls of Portland Elk's Lodge #142. A glorious night out for pirates, buccaneers, and nautical miscreants of all stripes. Dance the night away while enjoying some of the greatest music, grub, and grog this side of Tortuga! https://www.tickettomato.com/event_group/66/the-swashbucklers-ball