Key West Fantasy Fest Parade Winners and 2025 Theme Announced

Key West Fantasy Fest Parade Winners and 2025 Theme Announced

The Florida Keys wildly creative cosmic character was on full display in an out-of-this-universe moving pageant Saturday night as the world famous Key West Fantasy Fest parade made its way down Duval Street, celebrating its 45^th year and the 2024 theme, “It’s a 90s NEON Cosmic Carnival!”

Each year, following the parade, prizes are awarded by a panel of judges to multiple “Best Of” entries in a variety of categories, followed by announcement of the following year’s Fantasy Fest theme.

This year, nearly 50 entries competed for $20,000 in prizes, and the winners are:

• $3000 Best in Entertainment: “Cosmic Neon Lambada—90s and Forever!” by Pamela Stephenson Connolly’s Key West International Dance Company.
• $3000 Best in Costume: “Cosmic Vortex” by Daniel Bitnar.
• $2500 Best Interpretation of Theme: “Fantasy Quest” by the Lower Keys Fluffers.
• $2000 Best Walking Group: “DJ Time Warp and the Power Ravers” by Guy Hermelin.
• $1500 The Green Parrot’s Best Live Music Award: “Space Force X” by Stan Shaw.
• $1000 Best Bicycle Award: “Cosmic Carnival” by Southernmost Slow Riders.
• $1000 Directors Choice Award: “Grand Marshal” by David Sloan.

The $6000 Key West Fantasy Fest Parade Grand Prize for Best Overall, presented by The Lodging Association of the Florida Keys & Key West, is awarded to Jaimie Gwidt’s Key West Kreatives with their entry “Flagler’s 1890s Fantasy.”

The winning theme for Key West Fantasy Fest 2025, which is scheduled for Oct. 17-26, is “Bedtime Stories & Magical Monsters.” Ellen LaMoia of Key West, Fla., has scored Fantasy Fest Parade Grand Stand seats where she will enjoy the 2025 spectacle seated among the parade’s judges and organizers for her contribution to the theme.

“The Monroe County Tourist Development Association Board of Directors all agreed that “Bedtime Stories & Magical Monsters” elicits wonderfully enchanting and deliciously scary imaginings—from fresh twists on historic fables to new takes on mythical beasts—such as the ones that might be found hiding under beds,” said Nadene Grossman Orr, Fantasy Fest Director and President/CEO of We’ve Got the Keys.

Fantasy Fest events and happenings wrap up on Sunday with a slate of happenings, including Children’s Day at Bayview Park, a “Fantasy Pickleball Tournament” at Higgs Beach Courts, “The Fat Lady Sings” Tea Dance at La Te Da Hotel, Restaurant, Cabaret and Bars, Fest finale’ pool parties held at Island House Resort, the Southernmost Beach Resort, and a pool party/concert at The Marker.

Fantasy Fest 2024 featured more than 100 events citywide and was presented in part by the Monroe County Tourist Development Council and We’ve Got the Keys. Visit http://www.fantasyfest.com for photo galleries of 2024 highlights and advance 2025 festival news and information.

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