Nadene Grossman-Orr, whose team of We’ve Got the Keys produces Key West’s annual Fantasy Fest, announced at noon Thursday that the annual October celebration is canceled this year.
The producers shared the following letter with Keys Weekly prior to a 2 p.m. Thursday meeting with Key West city officials:
Festival Partners & Friends,
It is with a heavy heart that we are announcing the cancellation of Fantasy Fest 2020.
We have heard from so many of you individually and have used your input to guide us
in making this difficult decision. The Tourist Development Association’s board of directors, (no relation to the county’s Tourist Development Council), myself and the City of Key West’s mayor and management have mutually agreed that the most responsible decision we can make is to cancel Fantasy Fest this year.
In our joint decision with the City of Key West, we are discouraging you from hosting events during this time. We ask that you do not reference Fantasy Fest in any promotion. It is vital that we do not cause confusion for any potential visitors or generate crowds.
We know our island community depends on the revenue generated during Fantasy Fest, after a slow summer season.
We recognize that the hospitality and service industry will be deeply affected by this loss of income. We have a desire to help, therefore we are creating a Fantasy Fest Fund that will work together with an A.H. of Monroe’s affiliate, Community Wins, to support those most in need in our community.
Thank you from the bottom of our hearts, we appreciate your understanding and partnership with Fantasy Fest.
We will be reaching out to you when the timing is right to discuss our plans for 2021. Save the dates: Oct. 22 – 31, 2021
Stay Safe, Be Well. Cheers!
Nadene Grossman Orr
Festival Director & The Festival Event Team
