‘PAPARAZZI ROW’ ADDED TO THIS YEAR’S MASQUERADE MARCH

The Captain Morgan Masquerade March is all about community, fun and photo ops. This year the event will include a new ‘Paparazzi Row’ starting point. CAROL TEDESCO/ FantasyFest.com

The Captain Morgan Masquerade March, called “The Locals’ Parade” on account of being one of Key West Fantasy Fest’s most loved events among locals, will take place Friday, Oct. 25, in the island’s Old Town district.

Revelers wear costumes and travel through Old Town, taking – and posing for – photos and stopping at intervals for cocktail samples and thirst quenchers offered at select guesthouses along the route. 

This year, rather than one official starting point there will be two.

Starting Point One will be at the usual gathering place and time: 5:30 p.m. on Frances Street near Old Town Wine & Spirits at the corner of Truman Avenue. This route will follow Frances Street to Fleming, turn left and then head up Fleming to Duval Street.

Starting Point Two is the new “Paparazzi Row,” where dance music will play and local paparazzi, photo booths and selfie stations will be set up to record costumed crews. The Paparazzi Row pre-party starts at 4 p.m. on Fleming Street near Island House and Alexander’s Guest House and will proceed down Fleming to Duval Street.

Once on Duval, those of legal age who want to continue the party can proceed to Captain Morgan’s Official Pirate After Party at Kaya Emporium, and Hog’s Breath Saloon’s Surf’s Up Party.

More information is at fantasyfest.com.