KEY WEST, Fla. (AP) — Key West’s Fantasy Fest began Friday, launching a 10-day schedule of masquerades, elaborate parties and costume competitions.
Events are to culminate next Saturday night, when some 60,000 spectators are expected to line Key West’s downtown streets for the Fantasy Fest Parade, a procession of large-scale motorized floats, costumed marching groups and island-style dancers in colorful feathered attire.
The festival has been notoriously famous for its decadent motif, but during the past few years, festival officials have focused their efforts on creative costuming and an effort to create more PG-rated events.
Political Cartoons View All 1211 ImagesFantasy Fest debuted in 1979 to boost the fledgling tourism economy during a slow period.
Now, tourism officials said, it brings approximately $30 million in annual revenues to the Florida Keys.
Organizations:
WEST, Florida Keys
Locations:
Fla, Key West, Old, Florida