With a theme like “Aquatic Afrolic” we just couldn’t resist naming the float after probably the most classic, famous and infamous legend of the sea, except with a definitive Key West twist. Moby Dyke was one of our biggest floats ever. A two stage design with the center piece built around the tow vehicle, standing 13 feet high and 30 feet in length, followed by 2 long boats filled with crewmen, including animated eyes, flukes and spout. Thanks so much to Tim and Stacy who basically built the entire skeleton single handed from about a thousand feet of PVC tubing.
We must have burned through about a thousand zip ties on this float.
Painting was done by Brad and Emerson using an industrial air-brush with an extention nozel because the float was so big, we couldn't reach the top of it.
It almost didn't fit through the gate... Whew! The crew did a great job making their own costumes which were accurate down to the smallest detail. We also provided all crew with personalized wrist bands, a custom made Minions temporary-tattoos (see left arm), and for the first time could even afford our own banner.
.
Beads, refreshments and catering were graciously provided by several members of the crew, along with many of the photographs included below. Special thanks are in order beginning especially to the Mermaid and Alligator Guest house. Dean, Laura, Steve, Charles and Paul for the generous contribution and also providing the best volunteers ever. Special thanks to Jay of Neptune Jewelry for the generous contribution. Special thanks to Poco Pelo Chic salon for the generous contribution. Special thanks to Brad & Deon and Emerson of BVPD for the entry fees, tow vehicle, trailer, generator, and painting the great beast bright pink! Special thanks to Tim and Stacy for materials and countless hours of labor. Special thanks to Steve and Monique for buying beads and countless hours of labor. Thanks to Camille and John for buying beads and help with construction. Thanks to Ruth and Dan for buying beads and the excellent craft service. Thanks again for the second year in a row to Neal for buying a very generous amount of beads and shanghaiing additional crewmembers. Thanks to M.-J, Taylor, Key West’s premier photographer, for the generous contribution and excellent photographs.
This is right about the time it started to rain. We covered the speakers with plastic and kept rolling. Singing, dancing, drinking, and throwing beads, in the rain... while chasing a giant pink whale. Everyone got completely soaked. It was totally awesome!
|