Fantasy Fest 2026, with its “Musical Icons and Iconic Musicals” theme, kicks off Oct. 16, but for parade float-building groups like the one organized by Mina Valdez, Zach Matusicky, Jessie Matusicky, Kit Carson Smith, Valerie Smith, and Tim Lorber, the experience starts weeks and even months earlier. From the first inspiration to the final flourishes, creating a Fantasy Fest parade float is part construction project, part creative collaboration and part wild adventure. Members of their team recently shared insights into their vision and progress:
Will you share what you’re cooking up for 2026? Yes! We are creating “OzFest Key West: The Emerald Tour.” It’s a mash-up. Think “Wizard of Oz” infused with “Blizzard of Ozz.” We lost Ozzy Osbourne this year, so we wanted to honor him as well as throw in some Key West flair.
Have you participated in the Fantasy Fest Parade or any other Fantasy Fest events in the past? Pretty much everyone here today has participated in some way. Some of us have helped build floats and/or marched with groups. Mina was Duchess of Fantasy Fest 2025, and Kit owns Angelina’s Pizza on Duval Street, a traditional Fantasy Fest refueling oasis. But we all wanted to do something together, so this year is the first time for us as a group.
How many team members do you expect this year? We have 10 people who will be onboard our float and we’re expecting about 20 to 40 for our walking crowd. In fact, we are presently recruiting Lollipop Guild Munchkins and flying monkeys. Interested characters can contact Mina at kwfantasyfloat@gmail.com.
What did you learn from past parade experiences? Plan. Be organized. Work as a team. Have enough juice in the generator. Bring lots of beads and don’t get too drunk.
Do you have a favorite feature on your float? Valerie: Our tornado is looking pretty sick right now, and it’s not even finished. Kit: I like my big-ass chair. Zach: I’m conceptualizing an Emerald City. Jessie: I’m excited to see how in the world we’re going to make it look like I’m floating in a bubble. Mina: And I get to ride on top of a castle this year, so that’s going to be great.
When did your group start getting ready for the Oct. 24 parade? We had our first meeting one month after Fantasy Fest last year.
What kind of music are you playing? Rock and roll.
Any budgeting wisdom to share? Do you have a sponsor? We are being sponsored by Kit’s podcast, “Sit With Kit,” so we’re super excited about that. And we’re all contributing to the cost.
Do you have any advice for anyone thinking about entering the parade? Just do it. Especially if you’re a local, be a part of the parade. You’re never going to regret it.
The full calendar of events, contests, schedule updates and a mobile app are at fantasyfest.com.
