A Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden Event
Cuban Cultural Exposition
March 7 – 13, 2010
Cuba and Key West histories were entwined from the beginning of our City, as old family names attest. To honor that connection, Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden presents the Cuban Cultural Exposition, opening Sunday, March 7 at 2:00-4:00 pm at the Toppino Nature Chapel.
Viva Cuba Libre — The Chugs of Cuba is the opening event. The exhibition centers on selected images from Benjamin Curry “Dink” Bruce’ s collection of haunting photographs depicting refugees’ “chugs,” or primitive makeshift vessels actually used to cross the Florida Straits. Displayed alongside will be actual artifacts carried on the boats: statues of Our Lady of Charity, abandoned life jackets, handmade knives, shoes and even medicines. Dink will engage participants in an informative presentation complimented with a video of his adventures.
Of course, the event will include the Garden’s signature Mojito bar and hors d’ oeuvres. Admission is free to Garden members, $10 for non-members or join at the event. All events will take place rain or shine.
Other events are scheduled throughout the week include:
Monday, March 8, 6:00-8:00pm - Martha Stroble will demonstrate how to prepare the festive Cuban dish, Paella. Guests will enjoy a sampling of this dish and leave with the recipe ready to share with friends and family. Reservations are required by calling (305)296-1504.
Tuesday, March 9, 6:00-8:00pm - World traveler and resident docent, Suzanne Gribik, will present “A Cuban Botanic Experience”, a personal impression of the beautiful flora of Cuba. Your questions are encouraged throughout the presentation.
Wednesday, March 10, 6:00- 8:00pm – Memoirs of Cuba. Join a compelling assembly of Key West citizens who will share their memoirs of their earlier lives in Cuba. Of course, what would this evening be like without a game of dominos? Come to learn or compete.
Thursday, March 11, 6:00-8:00pm - Oo-la-la! It’s Salsa in the Garden! Instructors extraordinaire Lucy Mularz and Leon Williams will provide lessons to help polish skills prior to Hot Havana Nights.
All events are at the Toppino Nature Chapel and include door prizes and a cash bar. Free entry to members; non-members pay $10 for each event or may join at the door. All events will take place rain or shine.
Saturday, March 13 - This cultural exposition culminates with a HOT HAVANA NIGHTS party. This year, the celebration takes place at two venues in the newly-expanded Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden, located 5210 College Road:
5:30pm – 8:00pm – VIP Lakeside Dinner & Tropicana Show: The evening is abound with sumptuos traditional Cuban dinner catered by Great Events, a lively "Tropicana Show", open bar, cigar lounge and an opportunity to bid on the highest quality Cuban artwork during an exclusive live auction. [See the auction items] VIP ticket holders also have entrance into the dance with Havana Soul. Seating is limited.
7:00pm – 11:00pm – General Admission: Hot Havana Soul perform their renown Salsa beat on the Courtyard Stage – dancing encouraged! Cuban hors d’oeurves, a cash bar featuring Mojitos, and a “cigar lounge” complete the ambiance of Havana nightlife. A silent auction will offer one-of-a-kind handmade Cuban silkscreen posters, crafts, jewelry, batik fabrics and items in wood and leather. [See the auction items]
VIP tickets are $100 for members, $125 for non-members, and include both the Lakeside and Courtyard celebrations. Gate opens at 5:30 pm.
General Admission, $25 in advance and $30 at the door, is for the Courtyard party, only. Gate opens at 7:00pm.
The HOT annual event sells out, so make your reservation now!
Tickets are available at 
, by calling the Garden at (305) 296-1504, or by e-mail at kwbgs@kwbgs.org. All events will take place rain or shine.
Thanks to our sponsors:
