Key Lime Festival Kicks Off at Key West Lighthouse with Gravity-Defying Key Lime Pie Drop
Key West Art & Historical Society helps to catapult America’s favorite citrus celebration – the Key Lime Festival – into the lime-light on Saturday, July 1 from 11:00am-4:00pm with a free Key Lime Pie Drop contest and party at the Key West Lighthouse, located at 938 Whitehead Street. Those with a taste for engineering adventures are invited to enter the competition for a chance at fame, fortune, a trophy and a crisp $100 dollar cash prize. Food and drinks, live music from the funky/soul band 3sum and loads of limey fun for all ages round out the kick-off competition inaugural event!
Key Lime Festival producers David Sloan and Marky Pierson have partnered with KWAHS to offer the first Pie Drop in Key West history (that we know of!) from the approximately 86 foot-high observation deck of the approximately 100 foot-tall Lighthouse. “We’ve always focused on making our events fun,” says Sloan. “What could be more fun than dropping a Key lime pie from the top of the Lighthouse?” There is no fee to enter the competition and Key West Key Lime Pie Company will provide the 5” diameter pies.
The challenge for competitors is to (in advance) create a device or container to protect the pie, deliver it to the targeted area on ground level and keep it from exploding on impact. “The trick is to outsmart gravity by finding a way to drop a Key Lime Pie from the observation deck of the Lighthouse to the ground, without damaging the dessert,” said KWAHS Operations Manager Shawn Cowles. “With all the creative geniuses here in Key West, I anticipate seeing all kinds of wild contraptions, but my money is on a parachute!”
Sloan and Pierson will open the event with a ceremonial pie-drop at 11:00am, with registered contestants gathering at high noon to begin dropping pies from the lofty Lighthouse platform to the target below. Points will be awarded based on factors such as where and if you land on the target and the condition of the pie when it lands. Additional trophies will be awarded for “Most Creative Design,” “Best Decorated,” and “Best Key Lime Theme.” Costumes are encouraged for contestants and spectators alike.
Admission to the Lighthouse grounds will be free for competitors and spectators. On-site vendors and attractions include face painters and a giant water-slide, a food booth and cash bar; natural soaps and candles from Creative Connections, Conch Republic Rum Cake Company goodies, Blue Sky Jewelry designs, Blooming Jasmine skin care, jewelry, clothing and accessories, Can Can Couture costumes and accessories, and Lu la Roe clothing.
“Key West Art & Historical Society is a part of the fabric and history of Key West,” says Pierson. “We love partnering with them and sharing their enthusiasm for all things Key West.”
Be a pie-dropper yourself or just enjoy the spectacle from the ground in your favorite key lime costume. The Key Lime Kick-Off Party & Key Lime Pie Drop is a perfect day of food, fun and friends, and an event you don’t want to miss. To secure your free registration and pie for the contest, e-mail your name and phone number to [email protected] with the subject-line “Pie Drop.”
Sponsored in part by Blue Chair Bay Premium Rum. Visit Keylimefestival.com for rules and a full schedule of other events slotted for this year’s fest, or call Society Operations Manager Shawn Cowles at 305.295.6616 x 111. Your Museums. Your Community. It Takes an Island.