Every few hundred yards, guest houses en route hand out rum punch. Before we are even halfway to Mallory Square, most of us are sozzled. The atmosphere, as well as the drink, is intoxicating. Although it's not a gay event, the gay influence is everywhere. A third of the town's population is gay, and liberal values reign supreme.
Queers know how to party and heterosexuals are grate ful for an invitation.
This is the world how it should be - love and let love. The orgy of celebrations kick off with the Royal Coronation Ball, where the King and Queen of Fantasy Fest are crowned in a night-time ceremony on the terrace of the Hilton hotel, overlooking the Gulf of Mexico. The winners are the entrants who raise the most money for Aids charities by selling sparkling, multicoloured bead necklaces. Every ball-goer boasts at least six strings. The circus theme is repeated in the 30 events leading up to the grand finale, the Fantasy Fest Parade.