Pretenders in Paradise Crowned

Big Pine Key resident, Susann D’Antonio was the winner. She was dressed as a blonde sea hag driving a 10-foot-tall blue and pink sequined replica steam engine and she drove it right into victory lane.

D'Antonio constructed the "Aquatic Express,” featuring a clamshell canopy and two moving seahorses, with her artist husband Bobby. Inspired by the 2006 Fantasy Fest theme of "Key Weird on the Dis-Oriented Express," the veteran festival participants combined elements of six previous costumes to create the eccentric engine that weighs an estimated 150 pounds.

The festival will reach its climax Saturday night with the Captain Morgan Fantasy Fest Parade down Whitehead and Duval streets. It is anticipated up to 70,000 revelers wull pack Key West's historic downtown as the parade steps off at 7 p.m.