​Keys creativity and resilience were brilliantly displayed in a pageantry of glitter, feathers, flowers and incandescent imagination Saturday night, as Key West’s Fantasy Fest parade made its way down Duval Street for the first time since 2019 and the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic.
 
Some three-dozen entries—with one stretching almost a full city block— competed for $20,000 in prizes, and the winners are: 

• Best in Entertainment and Best in Costume: Lower Keys Fluffers with “The Birdcage at 801 Sesame Street.”
• Best Interpretation of Theme: Mystic Crew of Key West with “Sleepy Saturday Morning.”
• Best Walking Group: “Mother Nature Celebration” by Daniel Bitnar.
• Best Conch Style: “Willy Wonka” presented by the 40ft Sharpie Crew.
• The Green Parrot’s Best Live Music Award: Grand Marshall Tony Baltimore – “Let’s all go Insane!”
• The We Cycle Best Bike Award: Virginia Wark with the Southernmost Slow Riders: “Lost @ SEE.”
• Directors Choice Award: Stanley Shaw Construction’s “Madder than Mad Max.”

The $5000 Bud Light Fantasy Fest Parade Grand Prize For Best Overall, presented this year by The Lodging Association of the Florida Keys & Key West, is awarded to Fifer’s Follies with “Alice’s Excellent Adventure,” whose elaborate three-float entry stretched nearly a full Duval Street block and included one float devoted entirely to an imposing queen of hearts scene, and another to an elaborate tea-party set overseen by a giant Cheshire Cat with an articulating head. Street marchers included a plentitude of dancing teacups, suits of playing cards attired in voluminous skirts on wheels, and an eccentric cast of “Crazy Alice’s” bringing up the rear.
 
The Bud Light Fantasy Fest Parade is traditionally followed with announcement of the following year’s theme, which is selected through a “Call for Themes” contest. This year, Izzy Weaver of Nashville, TN, scored two seats in the judge’s stand at next year’s parade with the submission, “Uniforms & Unicorns.”
 
“2023 marks the 200-year anniversary of establishment of both Monroe County and Key West’s first Naval base, so our panel of judges agreed that “Uniforms & Unicorns—200 Years of Sailing into Fantasy” captured the Bicentennial of these historic events and the Keys effervescent spirit perfectly,” said Nadene Grossman Orr, Fantasy Fest Director and President/CEO of We’ve Got the Keys.
 
Fantasy Fest events and happenings wrapped up on Sunday with a slate of events, including Children’s Day at Bayview Park, “The Fat Lady Sings” Tea Dance at La Te Da Hotel, Restaurant, Cabaret and Bars, and several Fest finale’ pool parties held at Southernmost Beach Resort’s Pineapple Pool, the Marker Key West Harbor Resort, and Island House Key West Resort.
 
Fantasy Fest 2022 featured more than 80 events citywide and was presented in part by the Monroe County Tourist Development Council. Visit http://www.fantasyfest.com for photo galleries of 2022 highlights and advance 2023 festival news and information.  

​Each year Key West guesthouses, businesses and private homes compete for cash prizes in the Fantasy Façade Competition. This year the Greater Key West Chamber of Commerce has awarded $2000 in prize dollars to be shared among these 2022 winners:
 
Grand Prize goes to Ocean Sotheby’s International Realty, located at 1075 Duval Street, Suite 15, for their “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” inspired Fantasy Façade. Sloppy Joe’s, 201 Duval Street, won the best Big Business prize for their kinetic “Sloppy’s Pandemonium” Fantasy Façade. The best Small Business prize goes to Smokin’ Tuna Saloon, 4 Charles Street, for their “Revenge of the Kraken” Fantasy Façade. Jamie Gwidt, 807 Truman Ave., won Best Residence prize for her “Funky Pumpkin Patch.”
 
2022 Honorable Mentions go to the following participants for all of their spooky Façades creativity for this year’s “Cult Classics & Cartoon Chaos” themed Fantasy Fest: Coldwell Banker Schmitt Real Estate Company, 1201 White Street; Mickey and Ed Kimiecik, 809 Whitehead Street; Artist House Bed and Breakfast, 534 Eaton Street; WeBeFit Personal Training, 1277 1st Street, Ste.1; Lisa Roper, 813 Whitehead Street; Olivia by Duval, 511 Olivia Street; An Island Oasis, 630 South Street; Wicker Guesthouse, 913 Duval Street; the Lucas family, 635 United Street; Key West Aloe, 416 Greene Street; Misty Weech, 1008 18th Terrace; Lee and Jody Clark, 1406 Olivia Street; Key West Women’s Club, 319 Duval Street; The Duval House, 815 Duval Street; and Duck and Dolphin Antiques, 601 Fleming Street.
 
Façade viewers are invited to visit all of the locations – especially at night to experience them from the spookiest perspective. To see an interactive map showing locations of all participating entries, visit https://fantasyfest.com/fantasy-façade.
 
Fantasy Fest 2022 is presented in part by the Monroe County Tourist Development Council. For a full calendar of events and schedule updates visit https://fantasyfest.com.

The famous Zombie Bike Ride is scheduled for Sunday, October 23rd. Motorists can expect it to affect traffic from East Martello Tower on South Roosevelt Blvd to the Amphitheater on Sunday evening. Although the ride has just a rolling street closure which follows the riders, motorists can expect some serious delays because thousands of cyclists will be participating.

The ride leaves East Martello at 6 p.m. and heads to the Key West Amphitheater at the Truman Waterfront Park. Key West International Airport will be accessible from the east end of South Roosevelt during this time.
There will be no bus service from 6-8 p.m. on South Roosevelt Blvd west of Oceanwalk Apartments. Bus service on South Street, Whitehead Street, and in Bahama Village will also be temporarily suspended during those hours as well.
​
Buses will provide service on Simonton Street and Flagler on that evening.

​Decorate your digs to win big! The Key West Chamber of Commerce Fantasy Façade contest offers fantastically decorated Key West homes and businesses the opportunity to compete for cash prizes and glory. Think ghoulish and think this year’s “Cult Classics & Cartoon Chaos” Fantasy Fest theme. Final day to enter is Oct. 17; judging is Monday, Oct. 24. Fantasy Fest 2022 is presented in part by the Monroe County Tourist Development Council. For a full calendar of events, schedule updates, and Fantasy Façade registration, visit http://www.fantasyfest.com.
 

​It’s time for clever cats and sagacious souls far and wide to put on your thinking caps and submit your Key West Fantasy Fest theme ideas for 2023! The winning theme composer and a guest will find themselves fabulously seated in the 2023 Bud Light Fantasy Fest parade Grand Stand among the parade judges and organizers. (Helpful hint: 2023 marks the 200-year anniversary of establishment of both Monroe County and Key West’s first Naval base, so think Bicentennial!) In the case of duplicate winning submissions, a drawing will determine one winner. Some past year’s Fantasy Fest themes include: “Secrets of the Zodiac Revealed (2001),” “Habitat for Insanity (2010),” and “Time Travel Unravels (2017).” Email submissions to info@FantasyFest.com; deadline to enter is October 14, 2022. Fantasy Fest is presented in part by the Monroe County Tourist Development Council. For a full calendar of events and schedule updates  visit http://www.fantasyfest.com.
 

​Extraordinary artists, colorful creators, sashayers, strollers, and rollers – it’s time to fill out and submit your 2022 Bud Light Fantasy Fest Parade entry forms and prepare to put your playful genius on display in this year’s “Cult Classics & Cartoon Chaos!” themed moving party down Duval Street, set to take place Saturday, October 29, in Key West, Florida.
 
The world-famous parade is open to entries large and small, from fabulous floats, wild walking groups, bicycle brigades, and even human-powered kinetic machines that entertain tens of thousands of spectators in this premier Fantasy Fest event. Cash prizes totaling $15,000 will be awarded in numerous categories, including “Interpretation of Theme,” “Best in Entertainment,” “Best in Costume,” “Best Walking Group,” “Best Bike,” and more. Entry fees are discounted for Monroe County residents through September 23; final deadline to apply is October 14.
 
Fantasy Fest 2022 is presented in part by the Monroe County Tourist Development Council. For complete information and to fill out a Parade application form, visit www.FantasyFest.com/Parade.

​“Cult Classics & Cartoon Chaos” is the official theme setting the stage for Fantasy Fest 2022 – Key West’s annual 10-day costuming extravaganza in Paradise. From October 21-30, revelers can experience and participate in several dozen exciting events, including the world-famous Bud Light Fantasy Fest parade, the all-hands-on-deck Captain Morgan Masquerade March (aka “Locals Parade”), the exuberant Goombay Festival in the streets, Royal Coronation of the 2022 Fantasy Fest King, Queen, and royal court, plus concerts, theater productions, a “Heroes and Villains” 5K run/walk, the enchanting Key West Pet Masquerade, the 39th annual Headdress Ball pageant, and more. Fantasy Fest 2022 is presented in part by the Monroe County Tourist Development Council. For a full calendar of events, visit http://www.fantasyfest.com.
 

​Extraordinary artists, colorful creators, sashayers, strollers, and rollers – it’s time to fill out and submit your 2022 Bud Light Fantasy Fest Parade entry forms and prepare to put your playful genius on display in this year’s “Cult Classics & Cartoon Chaos!” themed moving party down Duval Street, set to take place Saturday, October 29, in Key West, Florida.
 
The world-famous parade is open to entries large and small, from fabulous floats, wild walking groups, bicycle brigades, and even human-powered kinetic machines that entertain tens of thousands of spectators in this premier Fantasy Fest event. Cash prizes totaling $15,000 will be awarded in numerous categories, including “Interpretation of Theme,” “Best in Entertainment,” “Best in Costume,” “Best Walking Group,” “Best Bike,” and more. Entry fees are discounted for Monroe County residents through September 23; final deadline to apply is October 14.
 
Fantasy Fest 2022 is presented in part by the Monroe County Tourist Development Council. For complete information and to fill out an Ambassador volunteer form, visit www.FantasyFest.com/Parade. 

FREE: 2022 Fantasy Fest Parade Float Entry
You bring the ART to the Party in the Bud Light Fantasy Fest Parade! Enter a float, walking group, or Art bike brigade!  Monroe County Residence – your entry is FREE before August 15th  or discounted through September 23rd !  
Cult Classics and Cartoon Chaos is this year's theme and $15,000 in CASH prizes are awarded to those who stand out!
Applications are available at fantasyfest.com/parade     
 
Parade applications must be turned in by October 14th - so get your group together and get animated!
 
2022 Fantasy Fest Parade Ambassador - now Recruiting
Fantasy Fest is seeking responsible and fun-loving volunteers to help make sure everyone has an exciting and safe time at this year's Bud Light Fantasy Fest Parade. Sign up to be a Parade Ambassador and you get to step behind the scenes and help us escort and pace the Fantasy Fest Parade as it makes its way down Duval Street!    Ambassador Applications and details are available at fantasyfest.com/parade 
As tens of thousands of visitors and locals descend on downtown Key West for one of the largest, most-spectacular parties in the nation, our amazing volunteers help control the chaos and make sure everyone has a safe, fun time.
When you volunteer with Fantasy Fest, you'll get a front-row view of all the action plus exclusive t-shirts and gear that set you apart from everyone else. You'll also create memories that will last a lifetime!
More than 150 Parade Ambassadors are stationed along the nearly-two-mile parade route. They help keep the parade moving and keep revelers out of harm's way.
You'll receive a specially-designed Ambassador t-shirt and one-of-a-kind souvenir. Because they're entrusted with great responsibility, Ambassadors must remain sober during the parade (but you can celebrate like a rock-star afterward). Ambassadors must attend a pre-parade safety meeting.
You'll also get to party with the Fantasy Fest team at Dante's for the annual Ambassadors' social mixer!
 
2022 Fantasy Fest Call to Artists – Deadline MONDAY August 15th  
Fantasy Fest is Calling all Artists for our annual poster & T-shirt artwork Contest!  
Cult Classica & Cartoon chaos is our theme, and your artistic vision could become our official t-shirt or poster for Fantasy Fest 2022!
The artwork must reflect the theme, characteristic and whimsy of Key West!  $750 Cash Price, official signing party & recognition!
Deadline for submissions is Monday August 15th – Winners will be announced Friday August 19th 
Visit Fantasyfest.com/call-to-artists for more information    https://fantasyfest.com/call-to-artists/
 
This contest is presented by the Florida Keys Council of the Arts!
The Florida Keys Council of the Arts and Fantasy Fest requests artists to submit their vision of this year’s theme: “Cult Classics & Cartoon Chaos”. The winning selections that best represent the 2022 theme will become the official Fantasy Fest poster AND/OR the official T-shirt. Artwork that creatively and graphically reflects the theme, characteristics, flavor and the whimsy of Key West will be reviewed by a selection committee and selected artists will each receive $750, a signing party and recognition as the official Poster/T-shirt for Fantasy Fest 2022! Artists may submit up to three (3) different images for consideration. Posters may be horizontal or vertical, with a preferred finished size of 18" x 24". Artists are asked to include the words “Fantasy Fest” and the 2022 theme words “Cult Classics & Cartoon Chaos”.
 
Fantasy Fest is October 21-30, 2022, just 2 months away!
www.fantasyfest.com
info@fantasyfest.com
​

​“Thanks for the memories!”
 
That’s the sentiment, and the thematic, of the 2022 Royal Campaign of Fantasy Fest, which will be the last to benefit A.H. of Monroe County (AH).
 
The AH Board made the decision Friday, May 27th to return the Campaign to the Tourism Development Association (TDA), who will choose a new direction for the King & Queen Campaign in 2023.
 
“The event itself is not concluding after this year,” stated Scott Pridgen, AH Executive Director/CEO, “and we also want to ensure no one misinterprets this as a conclusion to Fantasy Fest. That’s why we chose ‘Thanks For The Memories’. Our gratitude stretches across decades of Royal fundraising. This only alters who benefits from the Royal Campaign.”
 
“What an amazing partnership we have shared…and a legacy for the A.H. of Monroe County organization…and all who have run and been crowned Fantasy Fest Royalty!” TDA Board director Diane Schmidt remarked.
 
“We’re quite proud that the Agency has become more self-sustaining. It’s only fair that, next year and going forward,  another worthy organization reaps the many rewards of this over-the-top fundraiser,” offered AH Board of Directors President Rebecca Balcer.
 
Since 1989, the Royal Campaign fundraiser  (more commonly known as the King and Queen Campaign) also promoted awareness for those infected with, or affected by, HIV/AIDS, as well as the Agency’s programs like housing and emergency services.
 
Why now the change? It’s been suggested in the last couple years, but pandemic event closures placed any resolution on-hold. But even those years offered hints of how it could evolve, including the involvement of other local nonprofits in the ‘Community Wins!’ pivot staged in 2020.
 
“Our Board felt the honorable exit strategy was to announce our intention before Candidate Informational Sessions and not after The Royal Coronation,” Pridgen explained. “Everyone loves a TV series finale. This way, our rockstar Candidates and everyone who came before can go out in style.”
 
Christopher Elwell, Board member and himself King of Fantasy Fest 2010, also adds that “the legacy continues. Our Royal Family, which we call ROQK (‘Royal Order of Queens and Kings’) will continue to promote local philanthropy in their visibility.”