Key West Fantasy Fest:
Fun in the Florida Autumn Sun!
Key West Fantasy Fest. When it comes to Florida festivals, one of the most exciting things to do in Florida, can be found in the Keys, during the slow tourism season.
The Key West Fantasy Fest was started by a group after the president of the Monroe County Tourist administration, noted that late October brought gorgeous weather to the area, but no one was around to enjoy it!
Joseph Liszka suggested the group start a festival, making Halloween the biggest day of celebration of the year in the Keys!
The festival occurs during the week of Halloween each year and drives more revenue to the area than any other week during the year.
This year's Fantasy Fest in Key West is scheduled for October 18 - October 2, 2013.
The Street Fair
For those looking for diversion in the form of warm weather Florida festivals, the Key West Fantasy Fest has something for everyone.
A street fair provides a smorgasbord of food, drink and craft goods that stretches for a mile along Duval Street.
Vendors from all over the state vie for a booth at this event, held from noon until 10pm. Event coordinators hold a lottery each year to provide booth space to some of the best restaurants and artisans available.
The Parade: A Festival Highlight! 
The Key West Fantasy Fest also features a spectacular parade sponsored by Captain Morgan.
Floats, local talent and bizarre creations roll, walk and march past lines of spectators.
The warm Florida night makes this a parade everyone can enjoy! Festival staff keep everything top notch by offering clinics on how to build floats, ensuring each creation provides quality entertainment for the crowds.
Pretenders in Paradise Costume Event
An October festival would not be complete without a costume contest, and the Key West Fantasy Fest does not disappoint.
'Pretenders in Paradise 'is an annual costume contest sponsored by a business in the area. Categories include professional, amateur and group.
The festival provides a theme each year and hundreds of people turn up, decked out in custom creations to fit the bill!
Whether you are a creative genius out to win one of the generous cash prizes, or you just want to check out the fabulous costumes, 'Pretenders in Paradise' is an event you don't want to miss!
Other events during Fantasy Fest include a poster contest, music and entertainment options, and plenty of shopping.
Warm autumn days and nights, the generally relaxed air of the Florida Keys, and a dedication to offering upbeat, memorable programming, make the festival a must-attend event for anyone in or around south Florida near Halloween.
Florida festivals are known throughout the country for sun and fun, and the Key West Fantasy Fest carries that reputation out of summer and into the shorter days of Fall!
Parking at the Festival
As with any of the Florida attractions, parking can be an issue.
However, there is parking available at the Key West Bight, the Park 'n' Ride and Mallory Square, for a limited number of vehicles.
Should you decide not to be caught in a traffic jam, and leave your vehicle at your hotel or home in Key West, the Key West bus system has buses running often.
If you love the 'vibe' of Key West... the lazy, easy-going, 'anything goes' mind-set, then this Key West festival is for you! Don't miss it!
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