Designing, CONCEPTS and themes

When deciding on a theme for your own float, consider some of the best Fantasy Fest floats from the past.

The local personality of Key West is revealed in these moving works of art, among some of the most creative, inspired and outrageous found anywhere in the world.
Conch-a-Saurus Rex 1999, by Ann Lorraine and Fast Buck Freddie's.

Probably the most famous float in Fantasy Fest history, this enormous prehistoric gastropod, built on an articulated boom crane is raised and lowered over the crowds lining Duval Street. Click here to see Ann's video gallery.
Yellow Submarine 2004 by Lazy Dogs.

A multi section float with crew dressed as characters (and "things") from the 1968 Beetles movie. Graphics and trim are hand painted down to the smallest detail. Visit Lazy Dogs 2004 to view a top notch Fantasy Fest gallery.
Another one of Fast Buck Freddie's Giant Skeleton 2004
Another great Fast Buck Freddie's float, The Bride of Dracula 2008.

Groping for his bride (off camera in oversized wedding gown), the Count's hands are raised and lowered with amazing effect by crew members with sticks. The one advantage of actual "human power" is it will never jam. Mechanical reliability is a definite concern in the Fantasy Fest parade and whenever possible it's preferable to have actual "people" operating the special effects.
Alice in Wonderland 2007 by the Key West Golf Club.

Every year this team always does a great job and is one of the most skilled in the nearly lost art of traditional floral sheeting.
Bi Polar Express 2006.

Fortunately, nobody in Key West is BiPolar.

Yes we are.
Boogums Under the Bed 2002 by Lazy Dogs.

Another one of Dave Richard's masterpieces. The Lazy Dogs built the best floats in the Fantasy Fest parade for about 5 years in a row including (see below) "The Plutonians 2006" and "Life Aquatic 2005".

Click below to see more Lazy Dogs Galleries

2002 Boogums
2005 Life Aquatic
2006 Plutonians





King Kock 2006 by Key West Burlesque.

This was actually a walking group - parody of King Kong, a giant Rooster accosting a damsel in distress, surrounded by scantily clad natives and a 1930's film crew. Included 3 bi-wing airplanes circling the landmark "La Concha Hotel" building. This float was featured on the front page of the Key West Citizen newspaper.





There was an old Madam who lived in a shoe 2010 by Bob and Sue - The D'Antonio Delegation

A giant "shoe" occupied by ladies of the evening. The D'Antonios consistently place within the best entries each year. This piece won first place at the 2010 Pretenders in Paradise contest, and was featured on the front page of the Key West Citizen newspaper.
Fire Breathing Dragon 2008 by the Dragon Boat inc.

A huge silver dragon built on a hydraulic lift. This float won first place.
Bride of Frankensteien 2005 by Atlantic Shores.

Atlantic Shores placed within the top 10 every year until their unfortunate demise in 2007. With Atlantic Shores, Key West Aloe, and more recently Fast Buck Freddies gone, there are very few crews remaining in Key West to carry on the tradition.



Humongous Blue Crab 2001.

Not sure who made this?
Mosquito ?

Uncertain of the date, but it is believed this was made sometime before 1995. An enormous neon bug basks in the only lovin' it's ever gonna get.
Flying Seamen

A huge translucent "Ghost Ship" carried above the crowd.
Habitrail For Insanity 2010 by the Low Key Fluffers.

Features a human Habitrail. There's just something about a hot chick running to the beat of the music inside a giant hamster wheel...
Witch 2009

Founding Fathers Tony Falcone, Joe Liszka, Bill Conkle and Frank Romano are commemorated on Fantasy Fest's 30 year anniversary by another of Ann Lorrain's creations, a giant Witch's Head floating eerily over Duval Street.

Passing of the Torch


A Fantasy Fest Float is a rare flower that only blooms for one hour on the last Saturday night of October.

Unlike reused rental or Krewe floats, a genuine Fantasy Fest Float is made from scratch every year by the locals of Key West and is designed specifically for the theme of Fantasy Fest and the theme of the parade. They truly are one of a kind pieces of art that have never been seen before, and will never be seen again.

It is somewhat of a sad irony that the best floats in the Fantasy Fest parade are destroyed once the festival is over. Every year, Fantasy Fest is dependant upon the next generation of artists, craftsmen and mad scientists to carry on the tradition.

By using a little imagination, originality and a dash of mischievous inspiration, you can create a Fantasy Fest memory that will live forever.



"The light that shines twice as bright burns half as long".



-- Eldon Tyrell