Masquerade March

So we went with the same group as last time, and awhile back they decided to go with the Minion theme (from Despicable Me). Over the week, we've seen several varieties of this, so knew it would be popular. You hate to look like everyone else, but this is Key West; no two costumes will ever be the same. I was going to just do my own thing, but then decided to raid the closet at the last minute. It's a bit disconcerting to realize that I was able to replicate the look rather easily (although I am pleased to say, I didn't have any overalls). Seriously, these guys paid for an actual Minion costume. How similar do we look?

I wanted to be the Minion with one eye and just ran across a clear coaster we bought from Ikea almost 10 years ago. It sucks as a coaster but made a great glowing eyeball that changes colors.

Michael went out looking for a cheap yellow t-shirt and goggles, which wasn't as easy as it should have been, but struck pay dirt in Sears. He didn't have coveralls either, so we had to improvise.

Time to march!

The parade splits and people go into opposing directions, so this is just one half of the parade and just a smidgen of the people in it (photos looking ahead and behind). It's crazy!



Get some coffee, this slideshow is going to be a long one (make sure you restart the beginning if you missed it). I promise, it's a lot of fun (like being mooned by the Duck Dynasty guys, the kid looking longingly at someone's beverage, there was even a sharknado). Here's a link to the album if this is too slow for you.

Here's our group (sometimes merging with another one).

It took us an hour to go 2 blocks. It didn't have to, but our group kept stopping for various reasons. We were so slow that we eventually brought up the rear of the parade and were "escorted" by the police.

Yep, like jouvert in St. Kitts, it's a long process and would seem to be almost over the top, but is more fun than expected and worth experiencing. I really do think every town should do this people's parade once/year. Just shut down the streets, bring out the food/art vendors, and let people dress up and march through the town for a couple of hours.

We're slowly winding down. Tonight's the main parade with floats. At some point we need to get packed - we leave Tuesday.