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It\u2019s not easy being king \u2014 or queen. In fact, for the intrepid Key Westers competing to be named king and queen of Fantasy Fest, the island city\u2019s outrageous October costuming and masking festival, earning their crowns involves a huge amount of hard work.\u00a0<\/p>\n
That\u2019s because the royal campaign is far more than a popularity contest. Instead, each year since 1989, it\u2019s been a fundraising challenge whose proceeds benefit an important part of the community. The king and queen \u201cbuy\u201d their crowns by raising more money for a designated local nonprofit than their competitors \u2014 who round out the year\u2019s royal court by serving as dukes and duchesses.<\/p>\n
For more than 30 years the campaign\u2019s beneficiary was AH Monroe, Inc. (formerly known as AIDS Help), with candidates raising more than $5 million for the organization over that period. The torch was then passed to the Florida Keys SPCA as beneficiary. Last year\u2019s candidates earned the SPCA a grand total of $221,557.<\/p>\n
To generate dollars for the nonprofit, aspiring royals host bingo nights, themed parties, exotic soirees, cocktail gatherings, auctions and raffles, car washes and whatever else they can dream up. Events staged by this year\u2019s candidates \u2014 Mina Valdez and Cindy Benson for queen, and Joe Wooten and Floyd \u201cPepa\u201d Jenkins for king \u2014 even include a \u201ckitten yoga\u201d experience and a \u201cflamingo rodeo.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Members of Key West\u2019s business community enthusiastically support the annual campaign by providing venues, donating prizes and contributing services.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The Key West Cooking Show\u2019s 291 Front St. location was the site of Mina Valdez\u2019s Sept. 25 celebration of the island\u2019s culture, cuisine and community. Among the event\u2019s attractions were a traditional dominos tournament, live music, raffles and a photo booth.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The culinary hotspot will also offer \u201cCooking with Salt & Pepa,\u201d a fun-filled learn-and-dine evening starring Jenkins and his husband, chef Joey Bove \u2014 affectionately nicknamed \u201cPepa\u201d and \u201cSalt.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
With \u201cPepa\u2019s\u201d assistance, \u201cSalt\u201d and the cooking show\u2019s chef-storyteller Karl Stahl will share the secrets to preparing garbanzo soup, luscious lobster enchilado, guava bread pudding and other delights. Guests can observe, sip sangria and savor the featured dishes while bidding on silent auction items and vying for raffle prizes to support Jenkins\u2019 campaign.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The delicious interactive event is set for 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 10. Reservations are required; visit https:\/\/keystix.com<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n In addition to special attractions like \u201cCooking with Salt & Pepa,\u201d regularly scheduled demonstration-style Key West Cooking Show experiences are offered Tuesday through Saturday. Each blends entertaining tips on how to prepare traditional regional dishes, tidbits about Key West\u2019s history and culture, and a multi-course meal fit for a king (or queen!).\u00a0<\/p>\n![\"WOMAN](\"https:\/\/keysweekly.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Pepa-and-Poupee-2-.jpg\")
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