Key West is a party town. Different parties different times of the year. Its biggest and most famous is Fantasy Fest. In the later part of October each year. Ten days of fun and frolic.
Fantasy Fest was born in 1979. Prior thereto, the Fall was Key West’s slowest season. The city fathers decided something had to be done. After much soul searching, the event Fantasy Fest was born. Whether intended to be, it has turned into an adult party. Significant nudity. Church fathers and prominent organizations every few years have to decide the issue of nudity. Basically it boils down to covering a woman’s nipples and both male and female privates. Not with much. That’s it! The event a one of a kind experience.
I am a voyeur at heart. Find even that amount of coverage too much. I look, don’t shed.
People come from all over the world to participate.
I did my first in 1981 as a a vacationer. Purchased a home soon after and have done most since. Missed a few along the way for various reasons.
The partying takes place primarily on Duval Street.
Though technically a ten day event, it has become a twelve. The first two days are known as Bombay. Primarily a Bahama Village event. Warms things up!
This year the Bahama Village portion was Friday and today, October 17 and 18. Fantasy Fest technically begins on a Sunday. This year October 19. All kinds of events. The major one Thursday night. The Parade. A big deal!
Fantasy Fest ends this year on Sunday October 28.
Remember, an adult party. Leave the kids home!
Zombie Bike Ride is a Fantasy Fest event. Tomorrow on Sunday. Key West’s streets will once again belong to 1,000 plus bike riders each dressed in a crazy fashion. People will party from their bicycles. Those too old or too lazy, from their porches along the route.
Some additional Key West folklore.
On this day in 1906, a Category 2 hurricane hit the upper Keys, causing damage to the over sea’s railroad under construction. The storm hit the railroad construction crew without warning, killing 164. Most when houseboats in which they were living were carried to sea and sunk.
On this day in 2010, the dilapidated structure of Key West’s Traal’s Soup Cannery collapsed into the water of the Key West Bight. The city rebuilt the building which is now on the National Register of Historic Places.
Why I am unhappy with Donald Trump. A few of the reasons.
His attempts to close down the Education Department.
George Santos being released by Trump from his seven year sentence. He has only served a few months. Is Trump trying to set a standard for himself should he have criminal sentences pending when his Presidency is ended?
He continues to get his nose involved improperly in the Ukraine/Russia conflict. Switches from one side to the other. Mostly tries to accommodate his “friend” who by this time he should realize is not his fried. Continues to make an ass out of him.
Presently he wants Zelensky and Putin to begin peace talks from where their respective armies are situated.
It is reported Trump called Putin also to set the talks up. Strange, after Putin has bullshitted Trump several times.
Trump layoffs upsetting even to some Republicans. The “truth’ should be known.
I am not the only one unhappy with Trump. I have received several telephone calls advising the crowd is huge at Bayview Park protesting Trump this morning. The event is appropriately titled No Kings’ Protest.
Other drafting items.
ICE amps up its surveillance powers, targeting immigrants and antifa.
Trump’s tariffs have brought India’s garment industry to its knees. No way to make and keep a friend.
Shame! The U.S. has fallen out of the top ten on the list of the world’s most powerful passports. The U.S. is now in the 12th spot. It was first a decade ago.
Informational items.
On October 18, 1867, the U.S. formally took possession of Alaska purchasing the territory from Russia for $7.2 million. Less than 2 cents an acre.
On this day in 1972, the Clean Water Act became law.
On this day in 1977, baseball great Reggie Jackson hit 3 homers on 3 swings.
Enjoy your day!