By FloridaKeysNewsBureau for SouthFloridaReporter.com, Oct. 30, 2015 – KEY WEST, Fla. — Key West became an “animal planet” Wednesday evening during the annual Pet Masquerade, a wacky costume competition for barking and meowing revelers and their human companions.
The animal antics were a highlight of the island’s 10-day Fantasy Fest costuming and masking festival, themed “All Hallows Intergalactic Freak Show,” that continues through Sunday.
Dogs, cats, a hedgehog, a rooster and even a sloth dressed as a jail inmate starred in the competition staged at the Waldorf Astoria Casa Marina that attracted some 1,000 spectators. The contest featured more than 50 entries ranging from costumed pet-and-person duos to groups of people and animals staging lighthearted skits or dance numbers.
Standouts included a Dalmatian whose owner pedaled a bicycle-powered “fire engine,” a small canine portraying a purple octopus, an elaborate circus ensemble with numerous people and pets, and a Labrador retriever in a faux lion’s mane whose owner protested the recent Zimbabwe shooting of Cecil the lion.
Some competitors drew inspiration from the festival’s interstellar theme. Todd and Tonya Feit and their two tiny dogs were dressed as silver-suited spacemen in an entry titled “Close Encounters of the Chihuahua Kind.”
Pet Masquerade proceeds benefited the Lower Keys Friends of Animals.
Upcoming Fantasy Fest events include a lavish Headdress Ball, a masquerade march through Key West’s historic district and Saturday night’s flamboyant 3Wishes.com Fantasy Fest Parade that typically attracts some 60,000 revelers.
Florida Keys tourism officials say hotel rooms are still available for the festival, but stressed that reservations are necessary to ensure accommodations.
