In Key West, They’ll Blow on Seashells by the Seashore

Florida

The 37th Annual Conch Shell Blowing Contest, March 20 at Sunset Pier in Key West, draws hundreds of spectators and dozens of contestants. “Musicians” blow their best renditions of popular and classical music. The conch (pronounced “konk”) shell has a long history in the Keys; it was used by the Calusa Indians to communicate over long distances, and today boat captains toot them to signal departures. The contest begins at 10 a.m. with trophies awarded in five age categories. For more information, contact Betsy Dietz, Old Island Restoration Foundation, telephone (305) 294-9501.

Georgia

The 64th Annual Savannah Tour of Homes and Gardens, March 25 to 28, is an opportunity to visit 18th and 19th century private homes rarely open to the public. The self-guided walking tours are concentrated in the city’s National Landmark Historic District, and each day’s itinerary is different; there are more than 35 homes to see. For more information, contact the Savannah Tour of Homes and Gardens, 18 Abercom St., Savannah, GA 31401; tel. (912) 234-8054.

Pennsylvania

The theme of this year’s venerable Philadelphia Flower Show, March 7 to 14 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, is “Design on Nature . . . the Art of Gardening” and focuses on gardens as significant works of art. The 10 acres of displays include gardening styles of the 1920s and 1930s. Free lectures and demonstrations are held every hour, and a traditional English-style tea is planned in the afternoons. More than 125 vendors will tempt gardeners with the latest gadgets, seeds and plants. For more information, contact the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, 100 N. 20th St., 5th Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19103; tel. (215) 988-8899.

Texas

The Sweetwater Jaycees World’s Largest Rattlesnake Roundup, in its 41st year, was begun by local ranchers and farmers to cut down on the snakebites to their stock. Now it’s a town-wide festival, March 12 to 14, with the actual hunt (visitors welcome to go along--prizes awarded for most poundage) augmented by a parade, a carnival and an arts and crafts show. One of six categories in the cook-off is devoted to rattlesnake recipes. For more information, contact the Sweetwater Chamber of Commerce, P.O. Box 1148, Sweetwater, TX 79556; tel. (915) 235-5488.

Virginia

Colonial Williamsburg holds its 53rd annual Garden Symposium, March 28 to 31, with a schedule of lectures and tours geared to both beginning and expert gardeners. This year’s keynote speaker is Santa Barbara’s Isabelle Greene. Other speakers include professors of landscape architecture, an architectural historian, the president of the American Horticultural Society, landscape photographers and garden consultants. Pre-registration is required. For more information, contact the Williamsburg Institute, Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, P.O. Box 1776, Williamsburg, VA 23187; tel. (800) 603-0948.

Mexico

Benito Juarez, one of Mexico’s most revered presidents, is honored all over Mexico on his birthday on March 21. But the most important celebration occurs in his birthplace, the mountain village of Guelatao, 30 miles north of Oaxaca. The day includes a parade, with townspeople carrying flowers in Juarez’s honor; speeches by local officials; and fireworks. For more information, contact the Mexican Government Tourism Office, 2401 W. 6th St., Los Angeles, CA 90057; tel. (213) 351-2069.

Ireland

Dublin has been celebrating St. Patrick’s Day for centuries, but the events March 13 to 17 mark only the fourth year of the St. Patrick’s Festival. It begins with a street party and a lavish fireworks display over the city. Other events include a street theater carnival, with plays, music and dance; Caribbean Carnival displays; and the Amlima Theater Company from Togo, with voodoo and snakes (in Ireland?). The traditional parade will be held on the 17th, followed by a River-dance-like stomp at St. Stephen’s Green. For more information, contact the Irish Tourist Board, 345 Park Ave., New York, NY 10154; tel. (212) 418-0800.

Events appears on the third week of every month.