By Will White
Each year, Key West hosts one of the world’s most unique and exciting events: The New Year’s Eve Shoe Drop! You’ve probably seen it on CNN’s New Year’s Eve coverage, or you may have previously attended the festivities in person. But this year is a little different, so we caught up with one of the hosts for the event, Bria Ansara, to get the latest scoop and share her thoughts on this year’s celebration.
Will White: Bria, thanks for chatting with us! Tell us what’s new with the upcoming New Year’s Eve Shoe Drop.
Bria Ansara: This Year, NYE will look a little different . . . or at least the Queen in the shoe will! Last year, Key West drag icon, Sushi, made the decision to retire from her 25 year stint in the big high heel. With her approval, a new Queen has been selected: The fabulous singing and drag sensation, Christopher Peterson, who has been entertaining in her one woman show in the Crystal Room at LaTeDa for years.
Will White: Sounds exciting! How long have you been a part of the New Year’s Eve events in Key West?
Bria Ansara: I believe my first year performing in this spectacular show was around 2013. I watched Sushi and her partner Jeff get married on that stage! I became head producer and emcee of the show in 2016, along with local Queens, Ma John and Ralphie as Stage Managers and crew.
Will White: What’s your favorite part of the New Year’s Eve Shoe Drop each year?
Bria Ansara: Connecting with the huge crowd of people. Our show is a free show in the middle of Duval Street, with revelers standing shoulder to shoulder for two blocks in each direction. The energy from them is so electric, and it’s what the performers and I feed off of during the event. Ringing in the New Year with thousands of my closest friends!
Will White: When would you recommend visitors begin arriving in Key West in order to make the most of their New Year’s celebrations there?
Bria Ansara: The week between Christmas and NYE is the busiest of the year for us. If someone is coming down specifically for NYE, give yourself at least a day before to prepare and to enjoy all that the island has to offer . . . and of course, a day after to recover.
Will White: Any advice for first time Key West visitors?
Bria Ansara: Come with an open mind and an open heart. There are things about Key West that make this island so special. We really are a small community that comes together to celebrate life, every day. Join us in the celebration! Talk to locals and ask for the inside scoop.
Will White: What will you be doing on New Year’s Day?
Bria Ansara: Wishing I was sleeping, but I’m booked to play a jazz brunch at The Reach Resort. Then I’ll go home and vacuum up all the glitter!
