Fantasy Fest continues with pet costume contest in Key West

often-decadent Fantasy Fest costuming and masking festival continues this weekend in Key West. At Wednesday evening’s family-friendly Pet Masquerade, entrants included costumed dogs, cats and a tortoise carrying a plush rabbit med “ Tortoise and Hare,” drawing inspiration from fable of same name.

overall winner was Diana Benton of Titusville, Florida, who dressed her two cats as country artists Willie Nelson and Dolly Parton, subscribing to festival’s musical me of “In Tune But. Off Key.”

Upcoming highlights include Friday afteron’s masquerade march and a parade with floats and flamboyantly costumed marching groups. Saturday night’s parade is expected to draw some 60,000 revelers. 10-day festival ends Sunday after a children’s carnival and an afteron dance party.