Key Westers Toot Their Hometown's Horns

Come Blow Your Horn, the 62nd Annual Conch Shell Blowing Contest takes place in Key West on March 8th.

A unique form of musical expression, blowing into a fluted pink lined shell of the hardy sea mollusk called conch (pronounced “konk”) is a centuries old Florida Keys tradition.

Conch horns were employed as signaling devices by early Native Americans, shipwreck salvagers and 19th century seafarers.

Today the conch shell remains an enduring symbol of the Keys native residents proudly called themselves “CONCHS” and the mollusk’s meat is the key ingredient to chowder and fritters both favorite local dishes.

In 1982 the Keys Island chain staged a symbolic secession from the United States and proclaimed itself the Independent Conch Republic.

Celebrating the Key West conch connection and seafaring heritage is the 2025 conch shell blowing contest to be scheduled in The Gardens of the Oldest House Museum.

This unique event brings together participants of every age from toddlers to seniors, challenged to create musical magic with just a conch shell.

It’s not easy as you think to make music with a fluted conch shell.  Contestants take turns puckering up and raising a shell to their lips, endeavoring to make music or at least respectable sounds to impress the judging panel in a typically standing room only audience.

While many entrants only produce discordant bleats or feeble sputters,  a few impress the spectators by blowing lengthy blasts or even parts of melodies.

Past winners have trumpeted recognizable snippets of rock numbers and show tunes.   All are judged on the quality, duration and loudness.

Nicknamed the “Conch Honk”, the charming challenge is presented each spring by the Old Island Restoration Foundation.

All this fun right on Route 1 in the Florida Keys.