Depite Irma, Fantasy Fest is back
Fans of Fantasy Fest, never fear. Key West’s annual costume street party returns this year Oct. 20-29, undeterred by the passing of Hurricane Irma.
“Key West got very lucky with Irma, and we are actually already open as of Oct. 1 for tourists,” said Lindsey Sigafoos, assistant director of Fantasy Fest. “Key West is supported by tourists, and we wanted to do it. We are able to do it, and we are. The response we have so far is that everyone is really excited.”
The free event, which drew more than 60,000 people last year, features bands and merrymakers clad in feathered masks, colorful costumes and out-of-this-world ensembles that reflect the festival’s theme.
This year’s theme is “Time Travel Unravels,” which means dressing up as characters from past and future eras.
Key West has been home to the annual street party for adults since 1979, created by locals to attract tourists.
One of the main draws of the 10-day event is the Fantasy Fest Masquerade March, the walking parade that this year will take place Oct. 27. In recent years, marchers have dressed up as new dolls inside their display boxes, as barbarians in horned and feathered headdresses and as space creatures. Others have been known to wear nothing but body paint.
Traditionally, folks watch the parade along the streets of Key West’s historic district and the event ends at Duval Street.
For more information on Fantasy Fest, visit fantasyfest.com or call 305-295-9112.