Florida Keys serves up a tasty bicentennial dish

Florida Keys visitors and residents will commemorate the island chain’s bicentennial Monday, July 3 with the world’s largest Key lime pie.

Part of the “Florida Keys 200” events calendar, it follows with a laser light show and fireworks.

The festivities salute the 200th anniversary of the Florida Territorial Legislature’s founding of Monroe County, on July 3, 1823.

“Keys 200” events have been staged around the island chain leading up to the anniversary.

Bicentennial activities culminate 200 years to the day after Monroe County’s establishment with the world’s largest serving of the Keys’ most iconic dessert.

It is set for 5-10 p.m. at Big Pine Community Park, overlooking the Gulf of Mexico.

“What better way to celebrate this fabulous milestone than at one of the largest community events in the Lower Keys?” said Julie Schilling, president of the Rotary Club of the Lower Keys.

“We’re very excited to celebrate with Monroe County on the actual date of the 200th anniversary”.

The huge pie created by Key West chefs Kermit Carpenter and Paul Menta, is expected to measure 13.14 feet in diameter.

It is prepared with a traditional graham-cracker crust and whipped cream topping.

Ingredients include juice from several thousand Key limes, more than 55 gallons of sweetened condensed milk and over 200 pounds of graham crackers.

The pie will be certified in a resolution by Monroe County commissioners.

The bicentennial event will also feature a photo booth; bounce house, slide and games for kids; and food trucks.

Fireworks are accompanied by a patriotic laser light show, created by Key West Lasers.

They will use high-powered performance lasers to generate a colorful mid-air presentation.

Additional activities are to include live music by Keys band Brian Roberts and the Prime Movers, as well as former American Idol finalist and Lower Keys resident Kristen McNamara.

Learn more about :   Florida Keys & Key West ( N. America )     Florida Keys & Key West ( United Kingdom )