The 2009 Fantasy Fest Pet Masquerade was at Casa Marina, the best spot in the world for such an event.  The setting sun, the beachside stage, the droopy palm trees over comfy lounge chairs, what an improvement over two years ago, at the Westin  near Mallory Square. 

As always, the Pet Masquerade brings out some of best creativity of Fantasy Fest, and more locals of course.  The Fantasy Fest theme: “Vixens, Villains, and Vampires” inspired a Cruella D’Evil costume, complete with cigarrette filter and feather boa.  Great Costume! 

The “Skunkadoodles” were great, too.  Then there was “Shi*head”, a dog whose everyday pet stroller had been converted into a toilet bowl.  We could only find one cat, the jailbird cat at 1:52.

Enjoy our best of the Pet Masquerade video:

This was my third Fantasy Fest and I’m already starting to recognize people.  I guess they love it as much as I do.  My favorite costumes always seem to involve headdresses…take a look at these!  There’s also a picture of the street performer, I don’t know his name, but he’s here in Key West at Mallory Square and on Duval Street even when Fantasy Fest isn’t happening.  Someone told me he’s from NYC, where he also used to perform.  His act is great- he does a flip through a hoop that’s held high above a girl’s back.

 

Red costumes are so much fun… here are photos taken in front of Fogarty’s, where the Red Party was held on Wednesday night during Fantasy Fest 2009.  My vote for best Red costume is Li’l Orphan Annie.  Best Overall Costume of Fantasy Fest 2009 is also pictured here.  He was all decked out as the Devil, awesome makeup job, like movie-quality professionally done.

 

Before the show, pet owners and their dressed up animals milled around the beautiful beachy grounds of the Casa Marina. All pets were well behaved and relaxed, and none seemed to mind wearing a costume.