The Fantasy Fest committee decides on a new theme for each 'fest' but most people just wear any type of costume since the ten day event encompasses Halloween.

Thousands of tourists arrive in droves to the Keys from all over Florida and the rest of the United States. This massive quantity of people pumps money into the local economy and helps the multitude of small business owners stay afloat until the busy holiday and summer seasons.

Some have described the event as a friendlier, easy going version of Mardi Gras with much better weather and day time activities.