Costumed animals, owners compete
KEY WEST (AP) – Two African tortoises and their owners, dressed as members of the fictional “Addams Family,” won a top prize in a pet masquerade in the Keys.
The Wednesday night Fantasy Fest Pet Masquerade is part of a 10-day festival that continues with a series of events including a masquerade march beginning at the local cemetery and a parade set for Halloween night. It traditionally attracts more than 60,000 revelers. Fantasy Fest ends Sunday.
Tom and Jackie O’Neil of Marathon, Fla., are the tortoise owners.
Another pet owner, Jim Brooks of Ramrod Key, Fla., attached a pseudo weather balloon to his English bulldog, Brutus.
He said his inspiration was the runaway balloon case in Colorado.
Brooks said he originally envisioned Brutus actually floating beneath a balloon, but lifting the 65-pound dog necessitated too much helium.
Before about 1,500 spectators, the pet contest attracted some 80 entries featuring costumed dogs, cats, tropical birds and a bearded dragon on a toy motorcycle.