In 1985, a unique contest aimed to celebrate Jimmy Buffett's album release, "Last Mango in Paris," offering five winners a three-day Key West experience including a sailing cruise and a private concert with the artist. The event, dubbed the "Last Mango Cruise," coincided with Key West's Fantasy Fest, a vibrant costuming and masking celebration.

A Magical Island Escape

The contest winners were to join Buffett and his friend, bar owner Captain Tony Tarracino, as grand marshals in the Fantasy Fest parade. The festivities included a sail to Ballast Key, a private island owned by developer David Wolkowsky, for an all-day party and concert. On the island, author and journalist Carl Hiaasen, known for his satirical writing, was present not as a writer, but as a chef preparing a large paella for the guests.

The winners enjoyed cocktails and paella on the beach while Buffett performed, creating a magical atmosphere of sun, sand, and music.

The cruise was organized by members of the initial Margaritaville crew, including the author of the Keys Weekly report, who managed the store's mail-order department and fan relations. The experience on Ballast Key, with its rustic beach house and Buffett's music, was described as pure magic.

Chaos on the Return

However, the return to Key West brought unexpected chaos. The sailing trip ran late, causing the contest winners to miss their planned appearance with Buffett and Tarracino on the grand marshals' float for the Saturday night parade down Duval Street. Despite the delay, the Margaritaville team managed to get the winners to the parade route on foot.

By then, the float had moved too far ahead. In a moment of improvisational Key West spirit, the winners were welcomed aboard a trolley carrying the traditional Junkanoo band, which was part of the parade. The band serenaded the winners with Caribbean melodies as they traveled down Duval Street, ultimately salvaging the evening.

The event remains a memorable part of Buffett lore, connecting the artist with Tarracino through the song "Last Mango." The Keys Weekly article can be found at Keys Weekly. Further details on Florida's real estate market can be explored through resources like Florida Realtors.

Both Jimmy Buffett and Captain Tony Tarracino are now deceased, but their legacies endure in local tales and the memories of those who experienced events like the "Last Mango" cruise.