Scary Stuff

So Key West has survived another Fantasy Fest. The revelers have taken their body paint and tutus and gone home. It is noticeably quiet this week here on the island, which isn't surprising because the population grew by more than 50,000 during all the festivities. I am not an expert on Fantasy Fest, by any means, but for those of you reading this who may not know what it is, let me give you a brief overview. Originally, the week-long party was started to get tourists to Key West during the slow season and to raise funds for local organization AIDS Help. Over the years that week in October has become the busiest of the entire year and the various fundraising events have raised millions, so the plan certainly worked. There are some events, like the Headdress Ball, that are original and have a huge following. The photos I see each year, of fantastical costumes and huge, intricate, animated head wear, are beyond amazing! Unfortunately, there are some newer events, like hiring porn stars to 'host' parties at bars, that are popular with a certain crowd but not so popular with long-time Fantasy Fest supporters, or even local business owners. It's gross, and frankly, kind of skanky. I'm sure Ron Jeremy is a nice guy and all, but I cringe every year when I read where and when he is hosting some type of 'dungeon of desire' event. This past Monday, just a day after this year's Fantasy Fest ended, the front page of the local newspaper announced a new group forming to look at the event and rethink where it is headed. I think that is a great idea.

With two girls aged 8 and 10, Fantasy Fest week can be tricky. When you still have conversations about why we need to wear underwear at all times or bathing suits if it's just us, you certainly don't want them seeing a grown-up walking around in nothing but a g-string and body paint. 'But SHE isn't wearing clothes!' This is an argument that I don't want to have. We got lucky this year and missed running into any celebrants who strayed from the Fantasy Fest Zone. Yep, there's always some dude who needs to go to Publix in a tutu sans undies, or something like that, and local parents have stories that will crack you up, for sure.

Some quick thinking on my part prevented not only my kids from seeing some crazy stuff, but also Mari's third grade classmates whose parents may have been brave enough to bring them to Tropic Cinema this past Saturday. When I realized that her 10th birthday party was scheduled for the same day as Parade Day, I immediately called the cinema office. They agreed that changing the date would be best, since the festivities could affect attendance, and that they would prefer to be closed if I didn't mind moving the party date, so that those heading downtown for the biggest day of Fantasy Fest wouldn't be asking to use the bathroom. That could have gone wrong is so many ways. Like, just so many ways. Mari is excited for her party coming up this weekend. The kids get popcorn, a drink, and a candy bar plus one of the theaters to themselves to watch 'Mr. Peabody & Sherman.' And I will certainly enjoy it more without worrying about covering eyes or explaining what the heck that lady wasn't wearing.