Here in Key West, Halloween is celebrated a little differently than other parts of the country...we have Fantasy Fest. I am, however, thankful I no longer work on Duval Street, the party street. I was wondering how awkward it was going to be with practically naked people in our store. Let me explain: Fantasy Fest gives people the liberty to paint their body, wear skimpy costumes, and parade drunkenly down Duval Street.
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| photo by Rob O'Neal |
This is my first time to experience Key West's Fantasy Fest. It is a 10 day event, with many different events everyday. A co-worker asked me if I would take off my shirt and paint my body. That got me to thinking about all the people here that do exactly that. Many come from the mainland thinking that they can go wild here and nobody from home will ever know. Haha, before camera phones and YouTube, that may have been true. With advanced photography technology at our fingertips, anything can end up online. If you don't believe me, go to YouTube and search "Fantasy Fest, Key West". Dare you.
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| This is the Zombie Bike Ride. photo by Rob O'Neal |
I stayed away from most of the craziness, but felt the need to experience Fantasy Fest, so Chuck and I made our way down for the parade on the final evening. Since my blog is G-rated, I will not publish photos of the many bare-breasted females that roamed Duval Street, along with the reported 60,000+ spectators for the parade. This is our biggest event of the year.
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| photo by Andy Newman |
Endurance swimmer Diana Nyad, who recently swam from Cuba to Key West, rides atop the grand marshal float.
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| photo by Andy Newman |
Every Fantasy Fest has a theme, and this year was SUPER HEROES, VILLAINS & BEYOND.
On Sunday, there was a carnival for the kids.
There were many booths of food and fun games for the children. The stage featured many group performances from the dance schools and musical talents.
Amy brought all three kids out for the festivities, and Aiden enjoyed a couple of the rides.
Child ID Program was available for anyone at no charge. This is a great program and Aiden took his turn. We hope it is never needed, but a great tool if it is.
Another Fantasy Fest is in the books, and next year's theme was announced: Animeted Dreams & Adventures. Chuck and I believe it is more fun to be a part of the parade, rather than a spectator. Next year, we will watch the spectators from a float.
Hi
ReplyDeleteI just read your account of the Tx. 200. Nice story and pictures. I found it by while searching ooz goose which I found searching building a scow. I am designing a 20 or 22 ft. sailing scow and the more I reaserch the more I like them. Have built a scale model of the 20ft and in that build realized I will have to stretch her to 22 to get what I want. The 20 ft. model sail very nice and all the ones I have viewed on youtube sail well.
Any way I enjoyed your write up and will check back in anticipation of your 2013 Tx. 200.
This is a small world when it comes to sailors, I used to be a member of sailfar sail small group untill I forgot my pass word, Your friend Charlie is well thought of on that site.
Fair winds
Melvin R. in Ar.
P.s am sending this as anon. profile because I am on yahoo and have lost this message trying to send under other profiles
Unfortunately, I did not make it to the TX 200 this year, but am entertaining the idea for 2014.
DeleteCharlie is a very knowledgeable boat builder and sailor, and I'm proud to call him my friend.
Good luck with your build, and would love to see it on the water when you're done.
Lezlie
Great festival this year! Saw more people.
ReplyDelete