Fantasy Fest Kicks Off in Florida Keys

Fantast Fest will go on until Oct. 27.

Fantasy Fest has begun in Key West, featuring 10 days of uninhibited masquerade balls, street parties, marches and costume contests including one for pets.

The festival concludes on Oct. 27, the day after a nighttime parade with endurance swimmer Diana Nyad as grand marshal. Festival organizers expect more than 60,000 revelers for the procession. This year's theme is "Super Heroes, Villains. & Beyond."

At Friday night's Coronation Ball, Key Westers Stephen Sunday and Diane May were crowned festival king and queen. Royal candidates campaigned by raising money for Florida Keys' AIDS Help. The annual competition has amassed about $3.8 million since it began in 1989.

Tourism officials say Fantasy Fest accounts for an estimated $30 million in annual revenues for the Florida Keys.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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