America's southernmost island just might go to the dogs at noon Monday, when about 200 short-legged, long-bodied canines and their owners stage the annual Key West Dachshund Walk. The procession -- with many canines in costume -- in the island city's historic Old Town is an informal, family-friendly prelude to the more exuberant antics likely to accompany 2013's midnight arrival.
Tens of thousands of human revelers are expected to throng Key West's historic district for four warmer-weather takeoffs on New York City's traditional Times Square ball drop.
At the Bourbon Street Pub complex, female impersonator Sushi is slated to "drop" in a super-sized red high heel. Crowds can also celebrate watching a gigantic manmade conch shell, the symbol of the Florida Keys, descend to the roof of Sloppy Joe's Bar; Ernest Hemingway's former hangout. In the island city's Historic Seaport, a pirate wench is to be lowered from the top of a tall ship's mast outside the Schooner Wharf Bar. And a new Key West New Year’s Eve celebration at the Ocean Key House is to feature a replica of a key lime wedge lowered into a larger-than-life margarita glass.
Activities elsewhere in the Florida Keys include the "drop" of a glittering 7.5-foot replica sailfish at the Postcard Inn in Islamorada and fireworks' display up and down the Florida Keys Overseas Highway.
Unique New Year's Eve drops
If you can't make it to New York City for New Year’s Eve in Times Square, TripAdvisor editors identified events throughout the country that offer revelers unique ways to usher in the New Year.
The Droppin’ of the Carp – Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin
In Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin, the carp master, from The Droppin’ of the Carp, ceremoniously lowers Lucky, a frozen 25 - 30 lbs. carp recently caught in the Mississippi River, 110-feet into a wooden cradle during a countdown to midnight. Attended by more than 2,500 people, residents are encouraged to kiss the carp for good luck. The Droppin’ of the Carp also includes three hours of live family-friendly entertainment, a bon fire, music, and fireworks. After the carp drops, attendees recite the “Pledge of Allegiance” and a sing along to “God Bless America.”
