By FloridaKeysNewsBureau for SouthFloridaReporter.com, Nov. 1, 2015 – KEY WEST, Fla. — Thousands of masked and costumed partiers promenaded through Key West’s Old Town during the free-spirited Fantasy Fest Masquerade March, a lively prelude to a Halloween night lavish grand parade.
Beginning at the Key West Cemetery, the Friday evening march was a highlight of the annual 10-day costuming and masking festival that continues through Sunday.
Among notable participants was a troupe of white-faced “walking dead” in sombreros, who proclaimed themselves Republican presidential candidate “Donald Trump’s illegal immigrants.” They menaced a woman costumed as Kim Davis, the Kentucky clerk of court who refused to issue marriage licenses after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that same-sex couples have the right to marry nationwide.
Some marchers wore costumes inspired by the 2015 Fantasy Fest theme, “All Hallows Intergalactic Freak Show.” Standouts included dancing “space women” in sparkling robes and silver hair curlers, a green-faced alien clown on stilts and five big-eyed extraterrestrials wearing capes and little else.
Saturday night’s 3Wishes.com Fantasy Fest Parade is expected to draw some 60,000 revelers to Key West’s historic downtown. Each year the parade features dozens of elaborate motorized floats, exotically costumed walking groups and island-style bands.
With more than 50 events, Fantasy Fest concludes Sunday after a children’s carnival and an afternoon dance party.
