Key West to Ring in the New Year with Colorful ‘Red Shoe Drop’

Key West to Ring in the New Year with Colorful ‘Red Shoe Drop’

FLORIDA KEYS — Thousands of revelers are expected to celebrate the arrival of 2019 with Key West’s annual New Year’s Eve “red shoe drop,” also called the “drag queen drop,” slated for the night of Monday, Dec. 31.

The event is a warm-weather takeoff on New York City’s Times Square “ball drop” and has been televised worldwide by CNN in prior years.

Famed drag queen Sushi is set to be the star of the show, headquartered at the Bourbon St. Pub/New Orleans House complex at 724 Duval St., as she has for more than 20 years. Dressed in a stunning one-of-a-kind gown, she will perch in a super-sized red high-heel shoe suspended high above the spectators below.

“I design all of my New Year’s costumes from scratch, but I also have a large collection of rare vintage and collectible pieces from many eras and cultures that I’m always referencing for inspiration,” said Sushi, whose other name is Gary Marion.

As midnight approaches, Sushi is to be lowered from the balcony of the venue to a festive street-side stage as merrymakers gathered to view the event cheer and applaud.

The evening’s other scheduled attractions include vocal performances by local talent and guest stars including international recording artist Debby Holiday. The first performance is slated to begin at 9 p.m.

Street viewing of the festivities is free. VIP tickets for viewing from the New Orleans House balcony can be purchased beginning Dec.1.