Finbar Gittleman, “First Sea Lord and Supreme Commander of Conch Republic Military Forces” to serve as this year’s Fantasy Fest Parade Grand Marshall

Finbar Gittleman, “First Sea Lord and Supreme Commander of Conch Republic Military Forces” to serve as this year’s Fantasy Fest Parade Grand Marshall

Organizers for Fantasy Fest, Key West’s annual 10-day costuming extravaganza in Paradise, have announced that Capt. Finbar Gittleman is to serve as Grand Marshall of the 2023 Fantasy Fest Parade, the iconic festival’s centerpiece event.

In recognition of his stature as a leader and as a founding member of the Conch Republic, the honoree is more ceremoniously recognized as “ADM Finbar Gittleman, First Sea Lord and Supreme Commander of Conch Republic Military Forces.” For those who may have missed this crucial chapter in Florida Keys history, the birth of the Conch Republic micronation and its motto, “We seceded where others failed” was the result of a controversial 1982 U.S. Border Patrol blockade of the island chain.

In response to the blockade, local officials and citizens took a stand and declared “war” on the United States, conducted a battle using a loaf of stale Cuban bread for a weapon, then quickly surrendered and demanded $1 billion in foreign aid. Today, Gittleman stands at the pinnacle of a robust legion of Conch Republic Forces, with multiple branches of ‘service’ represented, who continue to celebrate and protect the island nation’s “Sovereign State of Mind” while also engaging in numerous humanitarian efforts.

“ADM Finbar Gittleman, First Sea Lord and Supreme Commander of the Conch Republic Military Forces, is a treasured icon and living legend who represents the legacy of our island chain’s maritime history,” said Nadene Grossman Orr, President/CEO of We’ve Got the Keys, the company that produces Fantasy Fest. “This year, as we celebrate our festival theme of  ‘Uniforms & Unicorns—200 Years of Sailing into Fantasy’ we have incorporated the official seal of the Conch Republic into our logo, and there was never a doubt about who our 2023 Parade Grand Marshall must be. We are thrilled to have our beloved Admiral accompanied by a contingent of Conch Republic Forces at the vanguard of this year’s parade.”

Fantasy Fest 2023 is presented in part by the Monroe County Tourist Development Council and We’ve Got the Keys. For a full calendar of events, schedule updates, and a handy downloadable mobile APP visit http://www.fantasyfest.com.

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