Fantasy Fest was initiated in 1979 by Bill Conkle, Tony Falcone, Joe Liszka and Frank Romano to attract tourists during the slow season. Fantasy Fest has boosted the economy on Key West by filling up hotels, local bars and restaurants during this time period. In 1995 over 60,000 people attended and there were 70 floats, bands, costumed groups and "imprecision drill teams" in the parade. In 2001 Fantasy Fest was estimated to bring $35 million to the region each year. The event has escalated to a ten-day celebration that includes balls, a parade, costume competitions, AIDS fundraisers, body painting, drag queen contests, costume parties, alcohol, and pet and neighborhood parades for the whole family. The highlight of Fantasy Fest is its parade featuring humorous floats, including one carrying the annually elected Conch King and Queen. The floats can be quite elaborate; costs can be $10,000 to $15,000. The expense for the floats is born fully by the participant groups and their sponsors. In recent years, attendance at Fantasy Fest has surpassed 100,000 people, or more than three times the population of the island itself. In October 2005, the event was postponed because of devastation wrought on the island by Hurricane Wilma; instead of being held at its usual time close to Halloween, it was moved to December and celebrated just before Christmas. The theme that year was "Freaks, Geeks and Goddesses."
The King and Queen of Fantasy Fest are annual titles bestowed at the Coronation Ball, a fundraiser for a community AIDS care service, that marks the official beginning of the event. The king and queen are residents of Key West, Florida, selected via an 8-week fundraising campaign. Their Royal Court is subsequently composed of fellow Candidates who didn't raise as much, but are still honored with the titles of Duke and Duchess. For 8 weeks, these Candidates serve as ambassadors for AIDS Help, the non-profit agency that has assisted those living with HIV/AIDS in the Keys since 1986. A wildly-varied array of events are individually staged by Candidates, as well as All-Candidate events that unite the campaigns, including a spin on the 'America Idol' singing competition, a randy and raucous Sunday BINGO, a Saturday Red Shirt Run in September and mixers at familiar island venues. The Royal Court, their support staff and other key agency supporters all appear prominently in the evening Duval Street parade on a float designed specifically to highlight their financial achievement. Since its inception, The Royal Competition of Fantasy Fest has generated a total of over $4,593,645.00. In 2016, Candidates raised over $368,330.00 - the largest amount ever for a 4-Candidate competition.
Events
Goombay - a two-day street party held in Key West's Bahama Village neighborhood. It is named after the goatskin drums that generate the party's rhythms and celebrates the heritage of Key West's large Bahamian population with food, art and a lot of dancing.
The Royal Coronation Ball - where the Conch King and Queen are crowned.
Zombie Bike Ride: family-friendly event involving costume and bicycle decoration.
Tutu Tuesday: adult costume party with tutu dress code.
The Pet Masquerade - costume contest for pets.
Fogarty's Red Party: adult party with red costumes, decor, and festivities. The original Fantasy Fest "color" party.
The Headdress Ball: gay and lesbian event by the Key West Business Guild.
The Street Fair: food, drink, costume, and arts and crafts down Duval Street.
The Masquerade March - a daytime procession through the streets of Key West.
The Fantasy Fest parade - the culmination of the festival.
Children's Day: family-friendly event held in Bayview Park with children's festivities and contests.
