Mallory Square is the widely documented home to southernmost views, but it is the nonprofit Sunset Celebration with its artists and performers who make the place come alive every evening in Key West.
The Sunset Celebration started out over 40 years ago as an informal gathering that eventually caught the eye of those looking to entertain and engage the crowds more widely. These days, it is an official operation with its own oversight that encourages creatives to set up shop in the high-traffic area.
Linda McCall, a former board president of the Sunset Celebration and maker of artisan-named shells, believes there is nothing quite like this daily gathering. The combination of entertainment, handcrafted art, and sights all make it a place where everyone can slow down and just be.
McCall enjoys the fact that her etched tiger cowrie shells form a part of visitors’ memories, particularly kids during the summer, who are often excited to discover a bit of the island with their name — literally — on it.
“It’s a shell and income to me, but to these kids it’s pure magic, and I love being a part of it, especially if they don’t have a common name and I have it ready to purchase,” she said.
The vendor, who has run her cart for over a decade and plans on relocating to another city to be closer to family, suspects that there have been etched shells for sale as far back as the ‘70s.
“I used to be able to name the top five, but not anymore,” McCall said of her most requested names. “Parents want unique names, whether it’s an old-fashioned name or a TV character’s. In the past six years or so, I hardly ever sold an Emily, Ryan or Michael.”
Kaley Bentz, meanwhile, is an artist who started out with abstract paintings. After becoming immersed in Key West following a move from Ohio, Bentz transitioned to the tropical creatures and landscapes of her new home. She has since worked at Mallory Square for seven years.
The painter appreciates the diversity of talent that the sunsets afford everyone there. The steady flow of guest artists and performers, plus travelers from around the world, offer connections and professional insight.
While Mallory Square carries a historical weight, the daily sunset event does not always appear to draw the attention and support it deserves, according to some of those trying to keep it going in its current form. It is powered largely by its own small non-profit budget and countless volunteer hours.
The latest challenge involves the unexpected order by the city to clear the pier of traffic at Mallory Square till due to structural deterioration on parts of the seawall. Leaving less room for attendees and participants of the Sunset Celebration. Whether this adversely impacts revenue is yet to be seen.
Despite any obstacles, the members featured here and others at the seaside enterprise plan to keep at it.
“I remain positive that our fierce dedication to this unique event will keep it going,” McCall said. “We are a part of a lot of visitors’ memories and traditions. We take that seriously and are honored.”
For more information, visit SunsetCelebration.org.
