KEY WEST, Florida Keys — Maybe major rock stars aren’t abandoning their electric guitars to play conch shell concerts, but fans of the fluted, pink-lined shell are puckering up for a rocking test of skill in Key West.

The 48th annual Conch Shell Blowing Contest begins at 1 p.m. Saturday, March 6, in the tropical garden of Key West’s Oldest House, 322 Duval St. Nicknamed the Conch Honk, the lighthearted competition salutes Key West’s seafaring heritage and is presented by the Old Island Restoration Foundation.

Blowing into the shell of the hardy sea mollusk has been a tradition since the island’s earliest settlement, when sailors used the shells as signaling devices and 19th-century residents blew blasts to alert shipwreck salvagers that a sinking ship had been spotted.

The conch also is prized for its food value and flavor, with conch fritters and chowder prominently featured on scores of local restaurant menus. In addition, native-born islanders are called Conchs and the Florida Keys are known as the Conch Republic.

As many as 60 people from several states, ranging in age from toddlers to seniors, typically compete in the Conch Shell Blowing Contest in front of standing-room-only audiences. Winners are chosen for the quality, duration, loudness and novelty of the sounds they make, with trophies awarded in multiple age categories. While most entrants only manage blasts or bleats, each year a few issue complex melodies that impress judges and onlookers alike. In addition, the festivities typically include performances by talented “pucker pros.”

The 2010 Conch Shell Blowing Contest is free to enter and watch. Contestants lacking their own “instruments” can purchase conch shells on-site.

Aspiring conch honkers can pre-register at the Oldest House from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on or before March 6. The house is open every day except Sunday and Wednesday.

For more information, visit oirf.org or call the Old Island Restoration Foundation at 305-294-9501.

For lodging information in Key West, contact the Key West Chamber of Commerce at 1-800-LAST-KEY (800-527-8539) or explore this Web site.