If you want to be part of the fun you will need to get yourself in gear early if you are not already a member of an official Parrot Heads in Paradise organization. Only registered members can attend AND participation is limited this year to 3500 registered attendees. See why I’m saying to get things rolling NOW if you want to attend? Registration is $75/person but kids under the age of 12 can attend free. There will be no onsite or at the door registration. Pre-register or forget it.
The theme this year is “Another Trip Around the Sun”. In case you aren’t familiar with the phenomenon, the “Meeting of the Minds” is the annual Jimmy Buffet Parrot Heads in Paradise event. If you don’t know who Jimmy Buffet and/or Parrots Heads in Paradise are, never mind. You obviously have not been on planet earth very long and you just wouldn’t get it!
The “Meeting of the Minds” isn’t just a gathering of Jimmy Buffet fans. These people descend upon us and spend much of their time in town actually contributing to the betterment of the community. They hold several competitions of varying kinds that contribute their proceeds to various local charities as well as stage their annual blood drive. These people don’t fool around!
Blood Drive
For the last five years, their blood drive has been the largest in the Keys put on by the Community Blood Center of Florida. Last year they collected an incredible 111 pints, yes that is ONE HUNDRED AND ELEVEN PINTS from the 120 attendees who attempted to give the “Gift of Life”.
Still not sure whether you want to attend? Go to their website and check out the line up of activities and then decide.
Toy Drive
This will be their fifth year supporting the Salvation Army of Monroe County, benefiting the children of Monroe County including Key West. Attendees are asked to bring an unwrapped toy (don’t forget batteries) or school supplies to donate when they register. Age groups requested are infant-toddler and teenagers. If you are driving down the Keys, stop at the Homestead Wal-Mart or the Key West or Marathon K-Mart to pick up toys or school supplies. Collection boxes will be in the registration area.
Put On Your Walking Shoes and Help Stomp Out Breast Cancer!!!!!
The convention is calling all Parrot Heads to come out and walk as "Team Parrot Head" to help raise money for a local Key West organization. The Zonta Club of Key West will be having their annual "ABC 5K Run/Walk" on Saturday, November 5th, 2012. This organization raises money to cover mammogram's, thin-prep pap tests, other diagnostic tests, and preventive measures for uninsured and underinsured women. Monroe County has some of the highest incidents of breast cancer, because of so many workers living there who have no healthcare. To find out more about Zonta Key West, visit http://www.zontakeywest.com.
Join the 9th Annual Official Parrot Head Southernmost Scavenger Hunt
Test your wits and have a BLAST on this whirlwind adventure featuring your favorite hot spots as well as some of the most unusual and exciting new places that Key West has to offer. Don’t miss out on the suspense, the fun, the thrills, and THE PRIZES!! The excitement begins at 12 noon on Saturday, November 5th, 2011 at The Conch Republic Seafood Company, 631 Greene Street, Key West. The event ends at 2:30 pm back at the starting location. Winners will be announced and prizes awarded by 3 pm.
Whether you’re a tourist, looking to move permanently to the Keys, or just someone who likes the beauty of nature, the great variety of amenities in the homes in our area are just more reason to want to live in beautiful Key West. If you’re interested in real estate in this attractive area, contact me, Jimmy Lane, at Key West Real Estate: 305-766-0585.