No “paws” in the action: Fantasy Fest Pet Masquerade to continue with new owner, producer and beneficiary

It’s madcap antics have entertained devoted fans worldwide for more than 25 years, and now thanks to a community minded media organization’s commitment, the Fantasy Fest Pet Masquerade will continue to enchant audiences this year and into the future.
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It’s tradition. Each year, people of all ages bedeck themselves and their pets in creative costuming in order to strut, waddle, prance, and trot across a brilliantly lit stage before a live audience and a panel of judges, competing for fame, fortune and prizes. From 1996 until last year the event was owned by QuePasa KW, Inc., and produced and co-emcee’d by Nancy D’Amato as a fundraiser for an animal rescue organization. In 2023 D’Amato announced her retirement, and it looked like the beloved event may have seen its final curtain.

Recognizing its value as a community joy, fund and fun-raiser, as well as an international attraction, Fantasy Fest director Nadene Grossman Orr and the team at Florida Keys Media came together to explore potential avenues to preserve the event. Ultimately, the Tourist Development Association made the decision to purchase the entity, and Florida Keys Media signed on as producer.

“As Fantasy Fest’s premier family event and a fantastic charity fundraiser, none of us at Florida Keys Media wanted to see the Pet Masquerade go away,” commented Rick Lopez, FKM General Manager, “so our team made the decision pick up the producer torch. As far as choosing the beneficiary, there wasn’t a whole lot of discussion needed for that. With all the wonderful work they do, everyone involved agreed that the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office Animal Farm felt like the perfect match for this event.”

For anyone who may not be acquainted with the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office Animal Farm, it is an animal sanctuary and petting zoo situated at the Stock Island Detention Center, which is where people who are awaiting trial or sentenced to less than one year are incarcerated. Founded 30 years ago, for the past 18 years the farm has been supervised and lovingly cultivated by Jeanne Selander, with “low-risk” inmates helping to tend to the animals and their habitats.

“We currently have about 120 animals at the farm, which is 100 more than when I started,” said Selandar. “Albert the tortoise is the oldest at about 75-80 years old, and Simon the capybara is the youngest, at three-years-old. Visitors to our community days, from 1:00-3:00pm on the second and forth Sunday of each month, can meet and interact with all kinds of animals, including horses, pigs, bunnies, tropical birds, reptiles, an emu, an ostrich, a kinkajou and more. About 100 inmates per year are involved with their care and it’s such meaningful work for them that many volunteer to work on their days off and continue to check in on some of their favorite animals even after they’ve been released from the jail,” she said.  

“We’re thrilled to have succeeded in preserving this beloved event that benefits the animals, the detention center inmates, and the community, and brings so much joy to so many people,” Fantasy Fest producer Nadene Grossman Orr commented. “And we can’t wait to see this year’s spectacle!”

The 2024 Fantasy Fest Pet Masquerade is set for 6:30pm, Wednesday, Oct. 23, at the Coffee Butler Amphitheater, 21 Quay Rd., Key West, FL. Registration begins at 5:00pm; pets and their people take the stage beginning at 6:30pm. Prize categories include Junior, Pet/Owner Lookalike, Most Exotic, Overall Winner/Best in Show, and Best Adaptation of the 2024 Fantasy Fest Theme, “It’s a 90s NEON Cosmic Carnival!” Cost to register per category is $25.00.

General admission is free with free seating available. Attendees are also welcome to bring their own blankets and lawn chairs. Food and beverages will be available for purchase on site.
Fantasy Fest 2024 runs from October 18-27 and is presented in part by the Monroe County Tourist Development Council and We’ve Got the Keys. For a full calendar of events, schedule updates, contest details, and a downloadable mobile APP, visit http://www.fantasyfest.com.