Fantasy Fest Turns 30!

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Key West, FL -
This year, Fantasy Fest's 10-day lonnng party will mark 30 years of debauchery (though she doesn't look a day over 29) with Villains, Vixens & Vampires as the sen... sa... tion... al theme. More than 70,000 costumed partygoers will descend upon the island to take part in what is now a well refined... but the sky's the limit... PARTY in the tropics! Eat your heart out New Orleans, Key West has got it all goin' on in October, from its sandy beaches and crystal clear waters - to a slew of fancy hotels and unique Bed & Breakfast accommodations, not to mention a daunting number of restaurants to suit every taste and pocketbook! If you're not in Key West at the end of October... you're nowhere! AND if you can't manage to make an appearance as a Villain, Vixen or Vampire... just where IS your imagination?

More than 70,000 costumed partygoers will descend upon the island to take part in what is now a well refined... but the sky's the limit... PARTY in the tropics!

It's never too late to make your way down US1 from Miami to Key West, one of the most beautiful 150-mile drives you're likely to take... or fly all the way to the tiny Key West airport and into what must be a scene from Casablanca. From the moment you touch down, and that blast of salty air hits your face, you'll feel far, far away from civilization, and just because everyone is dressed up or down... and partying... well, it's not that far from the norm. Another wonderful thing about this relaxing island is it's possible to be tucked away in your own island "hide-out" and have no idea whatsoever that Fantasy Fest "30" is happening... somewhere.

But it is... and it begins at noon on Friday, Oct. 23, in Bahama Village. The Caribbean roots of this island are strong and very much in evidence during this two-day, pulsating street party with food and music... and it's free! The Goombay Celebration is a kick ass "kick-off party" for Fantasy Fest and Bahama Village teems with excitement for two full days. You'll receive a warm welcome in the village and come across tasty island delicacies to eat and drink. Later that night, La Te Da presents the Royal Coronation Ball and it's the culmination of months of work (and dollars raised) for AIDS Help, Inc. Candidates for King and Queen of Fantasy Fest will make their final pleas at the ball and your votes will elevate someone to royalty. Votes equal dollars and dollars amount to the much-needed help the Coronation Ball and every royal candidate gives to AIDS Help each year.

Goombay continues from noon to midnight on Saturday when the Vampire's Ball also flies into the Fantasy Fest schedule at Fort Taylor inside Key West's beautiful State Park. The haunting of Fort Taylor opens at 8 p.m. and vampires each and every one say that this tropical Transylvania is the best party from ghost to ghost.

If you can't sink your teeth into this 30th Fantasy Fest celebration yet, there's a complete listing of events on the Fantasy fest website, fantasyfest.net. It's important to pace yourself through the remaining 8 days and be sure to get plenty of sleep and a little daytime fun on the water, too. Snorkeling and scuba diving in Key West rivals the underwater beauty of any living reef in the world. Be clever with your "Fantasy Fest itinerary" and you'll also be able to slink onto a masted schooner or catamaran for a sunset sail. History dictates that sunsets are even more beautiful on the water... and with a glass of champagne in your hand!

Man cannot live on sunsets (or parties) alone, so be sure to make a reservation at one of Key West's celebrated restaurants; if you're lucky, you'll have a waterside table... and don't worry, every restaurant has fresh seafood on its menu. If you want to cook your own, simply charter a boat and your captain will make sure you come back with plenty of fresh fish. It's easy to fill your days with any number of tropical activities and if lying in a hammock reading a good book is your idea of a great day, there's no better place than Key West... even during Fantasy Fest! All you need is a bike with a big fat comfortable seat to get you around and a schedule of Fantasy Fest events... but remember, it isn't over 'til the Fat Lady sings... and I'm not kidding. Just listen for the "Fat Lady Sings Tea Dance" at La Te Da on November 1st and be sure to wear your dancin' shoes... and a pair of fangs!