American Events: Florida Festivals
Fantasy Fest in Key West, Daytona 500 & Interstate Mullet Toss
May 18, 2007
Given that it’s the place that many people go to for their holidays, it’s no surprise that Florida – The Sunshine State – plays host to some of the best American events. Throuhout the year, there is always something going on, but amongst the best are the rum-fuelled fancy dress parades of Fantasy Fest in Key West, NASCAR racing’s big day at the Daytona 500 in Daytona Beach and the bizarre cross-border fish flinging of Perdido Key’s Interstate Mullet Toss.
American Events: Florida Festivals – Fantasy Fest in Key West
Lovers of high camp and all-night partying should make their way to Key West, former home of Ernest Hemingway, in October. From the penultimate Friday of the month to the last Sunday, the island plays host to one giant fancy-dress party for 10 debaucherous days. Originally a gay and lesbian festival, but now attended by people of all orientations, Fantasy Fest begins with the Goombay Celebration in Bahama Village. This is a Caribbean-tinged celebration, both in music and food. Other events include the Toga Party at Sloppy Joe’s Bar, the cross-dressing animals of the Pet Masquerade and Parade and the Beach Party at the Hog’s Breath Saloon. But, while the Caribbean Street Fair, Fairvilla Megastore Masquerade March and Fantasy Zone are all good fun, it’s the Captain Morgan Fantasy Fest Parade that is the real big, rum-fuelled party. Taking place on the final Saturday night, this procession is Key West’s attempt at aping the Rio Carnival – so expect plenty of dancing, body-paint and flamboyant floats.
American Events: Florida Festivals – Daytona 500
Daytona Beach is the birthplace of NASCAR Racing, and the Daytona 500 in February is regarded by some to be to that sport what the Monaco Grand Prix is to Formula One. It’s got the prestige, the speed, the glamour and the famous setting of Daytona International Speedway. It’s wise to get tickets and accommodation early, but if you miss out in February, the racecourse is also home to the Daytona USA exhibit, which has simulators. Who needs to watch the race when you can take the wheel in it yourself?
American Events: Florida Festivals – Perdido Key Interstate Mullet Toss
One of the strangest American events takes place in Perdido Key, just south of Pensacola in Florida. Every April, champion fish-flingers get together in order to see who can throw a mullet furthest over the state line into Alabama. Whilst it may not seem serious, over the years competitors have devised many cunning ways to get their dead fish to fly, including breaking bones for aerodynamics and flinging by the tail rather than the head.
