And so it begins…

October 19, 2018











And so it begins…

Each year the largest event by a good margin is the annual celebration that is known as Fantasy Fest. Now in its 39^th year, Fantasy Fest is an annual 10-day party in paradise for grown-ups. Started in 1979 by a small group of Key West locals, the party was created to bring visitors to the island in what was a typically quiet, but beautiful season. It worked. Fantasy Fest has grown every year since its inception and is now the wildest extravaganza around. Fun-loving revelers from around the globe bring their creativity and imaginations as they descend upon Key West each year in October for 10 days filled with costuming, parades, libations, and excitement!









This year marks my 28^th year of attending Fantasy Fest and once again I was hired as one of the cadre of Fantasy Fest photographers to help document the craziness of over 100 events and parties. The official kick-off of Fantasy Fest is the Royal Coronation Ball, where each year an official King and Queen of Fantasy Fest is crowned.













The Royal campaign began back in August as a fundraiser for A.H. Monroe, a local non-profit and lasts eight weeks with candidates for the Royal crowns raising money for the charity. The eight week campaign has raised over five million dollars over the years and this year’s candidates raised $287,000.00 for A.H. which provides affordable healthcare, affordable housing and AIDS/HIV services to Monroe County residents.











The Coronation Ball is a big party to announce the winners and features all sorts of cool entertainment in addition to the final pleas from those up for the Royal honors before the big announcement is made. Held once again this year at the Key West Amphitheatre (last year it was the first event ever held there), the event is a ton of fun and draws large crowds out to enjoy the evening. Local attorney Bernie Restivo was anointed Queen and photographer extraordinaire Larry Blackburn was crowned King this year.

 







The newly crowned pair reign over the week of events beginning with an appearance at the annual two day Festival held in Bahama Village known as Goombay Festival and concluding with a ride at the front of the main Fantasy Fest Parade that culminates the activities. With so many events happening all week, many of them concurrently, they have their work cut out for them as they try to at least put in an appearance at each one.











Goombay is one of my absolute favorite annual events. The two day island celebration recognizes the islands Bahamian heritage and has a real Caribbean flair as far as the food and entertainment on display. Goombay has been around almost as long as Fantasy Fest itself and has traditionally marked the start of the festivities. Kathy and I kicked off our Goombay fun with dinner at Firefly restaurant, located on Petronia Street in the heart of Goombay.











Our balcony seating allowed us a commanding view of all the frenetic activity on the street below. Vendors selling all manner of cool Caribbean influenced food and merchandise line the street, which is packed each day with a mostly local crowd who come back year after year to participate. There is all manner of entertainment including reggae, soca, salsa, hip hop and more. There is also a small carnival with rides for kids that fills a lot at the foot of Petronia Street.











Goombay is a great place to see old friends and reconnect with some you may not have seen for ages as seemingly everyone comes out for at least one of the days. I love it, the food, the atmosphere, the people, the music and the sense of community which is palpable during Goombay, which is unique in to itself. I try and make it both days and dis so this year, though Kathy remained home on Saturday working on her costumes for later in the week.









http://www.ahmonroe.org/