The Bed Races, Duval Street, Key West, Florida:  April 2006

As part of the celebration of Conch Republic Days, which commemorate Key West's secession from the United States in 1982 -- no, kidding, here, read about it -- a number of frivolous and fun events take place:  a mock naval battle fought with slingshot fruits and breads, an impromptu hop-on-in parade from the Gulf to the Ocean, and the Bed Races, just to name a few.  Many of KW's best known bars, restaurants, and even guest houses, construct a bed on wheels and four pushers transport a bed wench a quarter-mile down Duval.  Some do well, some take horrific spills.  Good fun either way.  [19 photos]