Eccentricity, exuberance and inventiveness characterize Key West Fantasy Fest's annual array of costume competitions and the people who accept their creative challenges. The festival's 2004 theme, 'Delirious Dreams and Hilarious Screams,' encourages designers to aim for laughable lunacy or explore delirium-induced visions as they conceive their costumes.
The most elaborate of Fantasy Fest's competitions is Pretenders in Paradise, offering flamboyant finery and lavish entertainment that incorporates professional sound, lighting and special effects. Themed 'Howl at the Moon,' Pretenders 2004 is scheduled for 8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 28, on the beach overlooking the Gulf of Mexico at the Pier House Resort and Caribbean Spa, One Duval St.
Amateur and professional costumers typically come from all over the country to participate in Pretenders.
Fantasy fans eager to eager to go "over the top" are invited to do just that at the annual Headdress Ball presented by the Key West Business Guild.
For information see www.fantasyfest.net or www.fla-keys.com .