By AMY WOODS
Citizen Reporter
It really was the
"last call for noodles" Wednesday night.
For the past four years, the
Noodle Man's warning cry on Mallory Pier
meant no more noodles until the next sunset.
But on Wednesday, the outspoken vendor with the trademark shaved head,
doled out his final dishes of pasta and bid adieu to the Key West crowd.
Though his normal attire consists of a tank top and shorts. he donned
tuxedo and top hat for his farewell
appearance. But in keeping with the
Key West spirit, he kept
flip flops on his feet.
Sunset Celebration vendor Ron Carter, whose antics on Mallory Pier
have gained him community notoriety as the "Noodle Man" said he's leaving
the island to travel - but not for good.
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A frequent speaker at city commission
meetings. Carter has eloquently
defended the cultural diversity on the dock, which he says has been
"strangled by bureaucracy".
"It used to be the last bastion of true, free enterprise," Carter said,
"but now we are hassled by everyone."
Carter said he'll miss doing his nightly act, which usually consisted of
loud announcements from behind his noodle cart, such as, "Don't you dare go
away hungry," and "Step right up - get your noodles right here."
Upon his arrival back in Key West, probably in late August or early
September, Carter said he'll return to Mallory Pier, but will change his title
from vendor to performer.
He also said he's considering entering
the political arena.
"Look for a very interesting act from the Noodle Man
when I come back,"
he said.
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MAY 1990
