Courtesy of Florida Keys

In Key West, revelers can choose from three very different -- though equally lighthearted -- takeoffs on the Times Square gala as midnight approaches Thursday, Dec. 31.

The Dropping of the Conch On the island city's renowned Duval Street, thousands of people are expected to ring in the New Year by watching a gigantic conch shell, the symbol of the Florida Keys, descend from its supports to the flat roof of Sloppy Joe's Bar, 201 Duval St.

Festivities are emceed by a rooftop host and, as a huge clock counts down the seconds to midnight, the manmade shell begins to descend. Sloppy Joe's live music rounds out the revelry.

The Dropping of the Red Slipper A few blocks away at the Bourbon Street Pub/New Orleans House complex, 724 Duval St., renowned female impersonator Sushi is slated to take the celebration's center stage for the 13th consecutive year. Seconds before midnight, a lavishly gowned and coiffed Sushi -- riding in a super-sized red high heel that glitters as glowingly as the ball in Times Square -- is to be lowered from the balcony of the complex to the accompaniment of cheers and applause from the crowd below.

Performances by renowned female impersonators kick off the merrymaking.

The Dropping of the Pirate Wench  Okay, she doesn't actually drop. In Key West's Historic Seaport, New Year's Eve revelry combines with a salute to the island city's colorful seafaring heritage. Just before midnight, a pirate wench is to begin her descent from the top of the mast of a tall ship, to the accompaniment of cannon blasts and the liftoff of biodegradable balloons. She will complete her earthward journey as the clock strikes and 2010 officially begins.

Live music, dancing and festivities at the Schooner Wharf Bar are to round out the seaport gala.

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