Monthly Archives: October 2012
Fantasy Fest Has Officially Begun…
Well, it’s official.
The streets are filled with adults dressed like swarthy pirates, pouty princesses and the occasional dominatrix. The delicious food and rollicking music of Goombay has sadly left Petronia St. (If anyone asks, we had two bowls of conch salad…not three.) And the inimitable Zombie Bike Ride careened into town last night, with thousands of people dressed in their undead best taking over the streets and stopping traffic (much to the dismay of some drivers– sorry, pizza delivery guy! We’re guessing that order is going to be free.) Much like the signs of the biblical apocalypse, these few events signify the beginning of this year’s A-CONCH-Alypse: That’s right, people. Fantasy Fest 2012 is finally here.
The full schedule of barely-clothed, costumed, too-crazy-to-believe events can be found here: http://www.fantasyfest.com/schedule.cfm
Today’s fun and fabulous affairs include an epic burlesque show with a dramatic title: THE BATTLE OF BONE ISLAND: THE ULTIMATE SHOWDOWN OF GOOD VS. EVIL. Tickets and event information can be found here.
We also love the always awesome Pinking of You fundraiser, where local celebrities and tourists come together to bid on some of the most artistic undergarments we’ve ever laid eyes on, with proceeds to support Womankind. Womankind works tirelessly to provide breast cancer education, clinical breast exams, counseling, and a bevy of other affordable women’s health offerings to women of all socioeconomic brackets.
The Pinking of You fundraiser begins at 6:00 PM over at 245 Front Street. For more information, including ticket prices, visit http://womankindkeywest.com/
Goombay Begins Today!
A reminder to all our readers that everyone’s favorite Caribbean celebration, Goombay Festival, begins today! Head on over to Bahama Village (ask one of our Parrot Key front desk agents to direct you to Petronia St.) and start celebrating.
Every year thousands of people attend Goombay where they delight in the various offerings, including arts and crafts, delicacies from a variety of Caribbean countries, and live entertainment ranging from gospel to reggae. Start your weekend off right with a little Goombay flavor!
Haunted Fort Zachary Taylor Opens Tonight
Last year during the opening of the Haunted Fort Zachary Taylor haunted house we witnessed a group of teenage boys–who moments before entering the Fort had displayed full braggadocio behavior, boasting that they certainly wouldn’t be frightened by some little old Halloween event– sprint at full speed, screaming their lungs off, from the interiors of the haunted house. They kept running until they hit the parking lot.
Suffice to say, this haunted house is wickedly fun– and scary!– and the perfect place to bring that brave, I-never-get-scared friend of yours for a good scream or two.
Watch in wonderment as the historic Fort Zachary Taylor (which was already a little creepy to begin with, if you don’t mind us saying so) is transformed into a haunted house of epic and ancient proportions. There’s something to terrify everyone inside…and we’re not just saying that because we have a tendency to jump at any sudden movement.
We especially love that the green outside the Fort becomes a special “Open-Air Theater of Chills,” where classic black and white horror films are shown on a big screen to the delight of young and old. With a concession stand as well, there’s fun and refreshments to enjoy for the whole evening. There’s even a Vampire’s Ball this weekend!
A full schedule of haunted house hours and events at Fort Zach during Fantasy Fest can be found over at http://www.hauntedkeywestfort.com/
BOO!
Walk on White
You might have noticed that our little Key West Hotel has a big art collection– we take a lot of pride in supporting local artists and always try to find time to visit the art events around town. Tonight we’ll be heading over to the Walk on White, a fun and laid-back event celebrating all the fantastic works of art on White St.
Why not take a leisurely stroll down White Street to see what artists have been up to… and while you’re at it, check out the open artist studios at the Armory & 610 White Street along with a special residency cottage open house at 607/609 Ashe Street! Enjoy free wine, light snacks and as much talk about “the painter’s intentions” as you can possibly stand.
Have fun out there!
Goombay Is Near!
Every year, our little island of Key West plays host to a number of exciting festivals– from pirates to speed boats, there’s a celebration to fit everyone’s taste. The biggest, and most popular, is of course our legendary Fantasy Fest– ten days of crazy costumed parading, partying and other debauched activities. But equally fun is the festival that marks the imminent opening of Fantasy Fest: Goombay Festival, a celebration of the tastes, sights and sounds of Caribbean culture. We impatiently await the opening of Goombay each year–a family-friendly festival that offers incredible food, music, dancing, performances and a true sense of community– and we’re so excited that it’s finally only a few more days away!
For two fabulous days beginning this Friday, October 19th, stroll down the length of Petronia St. and see how long your willpower lasts (ours usually gives in right around the time we see the first foodstall. Conch salad, anyone?) This festival, the end of which marks the official beginning of Fantasy Fest and all its crazy glory, is the perfect way to dip your toe into the Key West festival pool. We’re certain you’ll love it.
The festival runs all day and offers something for everyone. This Friday, be sure to head down to Petronia Street and learn all about Caribbean culture… we’ll save some Conch salad for you, if you’re lucky.
Pasta Party!
Love pasta as much as we do? Then you’ll be sure to attend the “Pasta, Pasta, Pasta Party” being held tomorrow at the NY Pasta Garden on Duval Street, a local favorite. Just a short cab or bike ride from our Key West Hotel, the NY Pasta Garden serves some of the most rib-sticking, smile-making Italian dishes on this island– and their pasta party promises to feature quite the selection! From 6:00 to 8:30 this Saturday, October 13th, you’ll get your fill of favorites like Chicken Alfredo, Stuffed Shells, Meatballs & Sausage, Meat Lasagna, Dolphin Manicotti, Chicken Marsala, Shrimp & Dolphin Caesar Salad, and more. With an open bar to boot, this event is not to be missed. Tickets are just $30.00 and are sure to sell out, so give the restaurant a call now to reserve yours.
Reservations: 305 292.1991
Mask Workshop
Here at Parrot Key Hotel we really love a good mask– the more elaborate, the better. And with Fantasy Fest and Halloween both quickly approaching, we’re definitely going to be taking The Studios of Key West up on their offer for two special workshops in mask-making this month.
On Saturday, Oct, 13, from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m., workshop attendees are invited to join artist-in-residence Slaveya Starkov at The Wild Within: Masks & Headpieces, a workshop that sets out to explore the power of storytelling through the creation of art objects.
Workshop attendees will learn creative, hands-on ways to bring their dream mask, headpiece or individual design to fruition.
The cost of the workshop is $90 for nonmembers of the studios ($75 for members) with most supplies are included.
Make sure your Fantasy Fest costume is a true reflection of your creative abilities! Sign up for the mask-making workshop at http://www.tskw.org/
For more information, call 305-296-0458
Honey Bee Bash at West Martello
Today at 6:30 pm the Florida Keys Audubon welcomes the public to view a free presentation by David Lewis, a beekeeper from Florida Keys Honey and Bees.
Global news has covered the devastating plight of the modern honey bee, whose numbers have dwindled to dangerously low proportions in recent years– all the more reason to stop by the West Martello Tower (home of the Key West Garden Club) and watch Lewis’ presentation, which will discuss the work that Florida Keys Honey and Bees does here in the Keys. Featuring an observation hive and honey products unique to the Keys, this exciting exhibition is sure to delight adults and children alike.
The West Martello Tower is located on Atlantic Boulevard, next to Higgs beach.