| Fantasy Fest to Celebrate Political Party Animals |
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| October 07, 2008 |
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If you are anywhere in South Florida towards the end of October, you need to make a detour to Key West! Here is why…
Key West’s wildest party is to turn bipartisan when Fantasy Fest, the island city’s outrageous annual costuming and masking festival, takes aim at America’s upcoming presidential elections. Set for Friday, Oct. 17, through Sunday, Oct. 26, the rowdy revel is themed “ Pirates, Pundits and Political Party Animals.”
One of the most eagerly anticipated events in the Key West calendar, Fantasy Fest offers 10 days of masquerade balls, quirky costume contests and other delicious delights. The spectacle climaxes in a glittering grand parade whose floats are as elaborate as candidates’ pre-election promise.
Fantasy Fest was conceived more than 25 years ago to enliven the fall season in Key West — and it succeeded so well that it’s now internationally recognized as the destination’s premier annual festival. Its uninhibited flair and lighthearted spirit attract ever-larger crowds of people eager to shed their real-world personalities and live out their fantasies on the island city’s quaint downtown streets.
For “Pirates, Pundits and Political Party Animals,” Fantasy Fest organizers encourage participants to cast aside the conservative and embrace the ultra-liberal, taking inspiration from bold buccaneers, renegade Republicans, decadent Democrats and unsavory affairs of state. Costumes and parade floats might be eclectic, electric or election oriented — portraying everything from brigands to ballot box brouhahas.
The Fantasy Fest extravaganza is to embark with a Royal Coronation Ball, where the public casts votes to elect the king and queen of the masked madness. The festival honors the island’s Caribbean roots Friday and Saturday, Oct. 17-18, during the Goombay street party in Key West’s historic Bahama Village. Political glory undoubtedly goes to some candidates’ heads — and they’re sure to feel at home during Tuesday’s Headdress Ball, where participants can earn big prizes for decorated headgear like rogues’ tricorns, wizards’ cowls or bewitching feathered fantasies.
Thursday, Oct. 23, animal antics give way to Fantasy Fest’s most magnificent costume competition. Pretenders in Paradise, staged under the stars beside the Gulf of Mexico, typically features glitzy, intricate costumes that tower far taller than their wearers. Amateur and professional costume designers from the United States and abroad are expected to demonstrate both artistry and performing savvy in exotic ensembles saluting the piratical, presidential and downright weird. Political party animals are to hit Key West’s main street Friday, Oct. 24, for the lively Fantasy Fest Street Fair.
Other Fantasy Fest standouts are to include a celebrity look-alike contest, a “fantasy of art” showcase, exuberant themed costume competitions, pirate-and-wench parties, a children’s day at a local park, glamorous galas and even a sunset airbrush expo and body painting competition overlooking Key West Harbor.
The pre-election action is to reach its climax Saturday, Oct. 25, as tens of thousands of spectators flock to the island’s historic downtown for the Captain Morgan Fantasy Fest Parade set to begin at 7 p.m. The spectacle typically includes feather-bedecked marching groups, Caribbean bands and enormous, lavishly decorated motorized floats. Since the parade falls just days before the 2008 presidential election, festival organizers expect many floats and costumes to feature a political focus — spiced with the offbeat flamboyance that characterizes Fantasy Fest and Key West itself.
This is one of the most original events Florida has to offer! Don't miss out on it if you are in South Florida!
Have fun and live life large!  Ciao!
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| Last year's Fantasy Fest demonstrated Key West's ecclectic side |
| Credit: Key West Tourist Development Association, Inc. |
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