Furs, feathers and flair took center stage at the Key West Amphitheater as pets and their “paw parents” strutted their stuff at the annual Fantasy Fest Pet Masquerade on Oct. 23.
The competition featured dogs, cats, cockatoos, hamsters and even sugar gliders (nocturnal marsupials native to Australia). But it wasn’t just the pets that impressed the crowd — their humans joined in, decked out in matching themed outfits, complete with choreographed entrances.
Participants competed in five categories: junior division, most exotic, pet-owner look-alike, best theme adaptation and the highly coveted best in show.
“All of us at Florida Keys Media were thrilled to produce this year’s event and raise money for the Monroe County Sheriff’s Animal Farm,” said Rick Lopez, general manager at Florida Keys Media. “For our first year running it, I think it went great, and we’re excited to build on this success and take it further in the years to come.”
The funds raised for the Monroe County Sheriff’s Animal Farm will help provide shelter and care for rescued and abandoned animals in the area. The 30-year-old animal sanctuary and petting zoo, located at the Stock Island jail, provides a safe haven for animals while also serving as a rehabilitation program for inmates. For the past 18 years, “Farmer Jeanne” Selander has overseen the farm, nurturing the animals and the land with the help of “low-risk” inmates, who assist in caring for the animals and maintaining their habitats. The farm offers a unique blend of compassion, education and rehabilitation.
Along with the costumes, the event featured food and drink stands for the audience, plus bounce houses for the kids. Some honorable mentions were a family of five in “Men-in-Black” inspired outfits, a “flower power” duo with her dog and a “Friends”-styled TV cage for their sugar gliders.
