They're expecting up to a million people in Times Square watching New Year's Millennium Celebrations throughout the world on seven enormous television screens. At Foxy's on Jost Van Dyke, Gary Roy, the manager, is expecting upwards of 20,000!
There are rumors of raids on Alcatraz. And on a pristine spit of Pacific encircled sand called Kiribati, the whole shebang will commence in majestic silence.
Meanwhile, here in Fantasy Fest'd out Cayo Hueso, the usual suspects are already up to their typical shenanigans planning "abnormal" turn-of-the-Millennium celebrations.
The Conch Republic Seafood Company, ever the lively crib of chaos, is bringing in the Big Show with Zack Seemiller, a six-course dinner, One World, hourly drink specials, the Video Around The World Thang, over $2,500 in cash and prizes and a bottle of champagne for every couple. The price? $250 per couple. 294-4403, ext. 121.
Gala is as gala does over at the Pier House where, for $200 per person, one may enjoy an open bar, unlimited Champagne, a three-course plated dinner, a six-piece dance band, fireworks, hats and poppers, hand-rolled cigars and a souvenir leaded crystal champagne glass. This takes place from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. and reservations are required: 296-4600, ext. 570.
A particularly imaginative getaway-and-stay comes courtesy of Lisa Petrone, Development Director of the Key West Art & Historical Society. If you feel like one in a hundred you can kick in $100 to take a chance on winning a Millennium 10-Day Royal Caribbean Cruise for two to San Juan, St. Thomas, St. Maarten and Nassau with New Year's Eve at sea beneath fireworks at Coco Key! Kowabonga, baby! All proceeds will go to the opening of the new Key West Museum of Art & History.
Only 100 tickets will be sold! Tickets are available for a $100 donation at the Customs House on Front and Green Streets. Winners will be announced on Nov. 22, so giddieyap. The winners will have an ocean-view stateroom for two aboard the 815-foot "Century" (but, of course!) departing Port Everglades on Dec. 30 and returning Jan. 8. Hard to beat!
This, of course, is just the beginning. On a more-or-less weekly basis, we'll be clueing you in on the entire gamut of turn-of-the-Millennium fiestas— for every taste, lack thereof, budget and degree of adventure.