Fantasy Fest Royal Coronation Ball

October 19, 2019

 

Bria

Fantasy Fest Royal Coronation Ball

Fantasy Fest week officially begins each year with the crowning of the annual King and Queen of Fantasy Fest. This year marks the 40^th year that Key West has celebrated Fantasy Fest, and I have been around for thirty of those years, but somehow I had never attended the coronation ball. I have always chosen to spend the evening at Goombay Festival which is going on concurrently but this year decided to take a flyer and check it out, knowing that I could get to Goombay afterwards.

 

I had initially intended on just being on hand prior to the official festivities, getting some photos of those in attendance and then rushing over to Goombay, which would be a breeze since the ball was being held once again at the Key West Amphitheater which is only a short stroll away.

 

Erin

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Nathan

I was having such a great time that I ended up staying well into the evening that featured top notch local entertainment as well as terrific skits by the four candidates for the Royal crowns. I have been to the kick-off of the Royal campaigns for many years, including this year’s that was held back in August. Since that time the four contenders have been busy hosting parties, events and fundraisers in hopes of being the one who raises the most money for AH Monroe, the local AIDS charity that is the beneficiary of the fundraising campaigns. It has proven to be a huge source of income for the non-profit. Usually they raise over $200,000.00 per year in the race for Royalty.

 

Lucy

Over the years more than five million dollars has been raised by those competing for the coveted crowns. Attendees this year were invited to step back in time to an old Hollywood-themed party with Key West's Royal Family and to cast their final votes for the King & Queen of Fantasy Fest! King of Swing, Queen of Soul & the Dukettes! This fabulous 2-hour stage show includes entertainment by local celebrities and the Candidates themselves!

 

The crowd was a virtual who’s who of the Key West community, especially the fabulous gay community who go all out for this event which is one of the original Fantasy Fest events and a tradition. There were a variety of amazing Key West performers including the cast of the current play running at the Waterfront Playhouse, “The Rocky Horror Show”.

The cast delivered a fantastic medley of songs from the show and they were truly awesome. We cannot wait to see the show next week, but this was a great sample of what to expect. The entire run of the show is sold out, so I am pleased that I ordered tickets well in advance.

Bella and Layla 

Kristyn and DJ

Each of the candidates performed skits as well, all of which were good, but Karen for Queen’s Lion King skit was especially awesome. I am so glad that I stayed for the majority of the wonderful event. Ryan and Karen were crowned as the new King and Queen of Fantasy Fest at the end of the evening, with Valerie and Woody serving as Duke and Duchess. Thanks to everyone involved for another awesome year of raising money for a great cause.