Okay, so you probably already know that Key West’s notorious Fantasy Fest, originally scheduled for October 16 – 24, was canceled this year because of COVID 19. Needless to say, everyone down here, along with thousands of out-of-towners, are pretty bummed. Not only does this highly anticipated event draw large crowds for lavish processions and costume competitions, but it also raises a ton of money for local nonprofit organizations.
Here’s the thing: COVID 19’s wrath, as bad as it is, only makes us more resilient and creative. So, yeah, Key West had to cancel the live festival, but the revelry will still go on with two fun streaming events that showcase the festival’s creativity and spirit.
A high-energy variety show that incorporates comedy, dance, and music by local and national talents, along with raffles, surprise guests, and cocktail demos, will live-stream on Friday, Oct. 16, from 7 – 9 pm on the festival’s website, fantasyfest.com, and also at facebook.com/FantasyFest. The roster of top talent includes world-renowned female impressionist, Randy Roberts; noted cabaret singer Jennifer McClain; The Kinsey Sicks (billed as a “Dragapella Beauty Shop Quartet”); rocker and Key West police officer Joe Tripp, and many others.
But what’s cool about all of this is that you can still make donations to help provide housing assistance to residents impacted by COVID-19. Just click on cffk.org/communitywins/ for details. And that’s just the half of it. The party continues on Saturday, Oct. 24, from 7 – 9 pm. Festival enthusiasts can watch a small-scale, virtual version of Fantasy Fest’s traditional Duval Street parade of exotically decorated floats. Billed as the “Smallest Parade in the Universe,” the event will showcase unique miniature floats that will be streamed at fantasyfest.com, facebook.com/FantasyFest, marchouse.org, and TSKW.org. During this special live-stream, you can also find out what next year’s theme will be for Fantasy Fest 2021, scheduled for Oct. 22-31. At the parade’s conclusion, the fabulous tiny floats will be auctioned online to benefit the Monroe Association for ReMARCable Citizens, a nonprofit that provides life services for adult developmentally and intellectually disabled residents.
Also, Fantasy Fest’s beloved Pet Masquerade will be offering virtual “animal antics.” By donating $25 to Lower Keys Friends of Animals, you can get photos of you and your costumed pet posted at facebook.com/keywestpetmasquerade. See the Facebook page for all the deets.
Finally, for all of you who still want to visit Key West in late October, festival organizers are concocting a socially distanced self-guided driving and biking tour of decorated “Fantasy Façade” homes and businesses.
So up yours, COVID 19, because there’s still lots of fun to be had. Sometimes you have to think outside of the box!
For more info, hit up fantasyfest.com
