Press release

BLAME IT ON ROBERT - A NIGHT OF 101 HAUNTINGS

An eerie, straw-stuffed doll that has mystified Key Westers for a century, as well as visitors from all around the world, will, for the brave of heart, preside over Fantasy Fest 2006’s “Blame it on Robert - A Night of 101 Hauntings.”
The alleged powers of Robert the haunted doll will take center stage during “A Night of 101 Hauntings,” 7:30-11 p.m., on Sunday, Oct. 22, in the gardens of Robert’s home – Fort East Martello Gardens on South Roosevelt Boulevard. This October marks Robert’s second century and he is being thrown a deserving party.
A new and special exhibit for the night of hauntings will be the unveiling of Count Von Cossel’s beloved Elena. The ghoulish Original Ghost Tours staff will host Tours of the fort during the mystical evening and explain the frightening tale of the count and his fascination with Elena in both life and death.
The Key West Firefighter’s Local 1424, masters of smoke and heat, will spend the day at East Martello roasting several pigs in the traditional Cuban method, in a Chinese box.
“The pigs go on the rack, then are covered with the metal box and then the hot coals are placed on top,” said Union President Arnold Cabellero.
On the milder side, Antonia’s Catering will be serving up accompanying dishes of black beans, rice, and rum-glazed sweet plantains.
“We’ve planned a haunting evening that will included frenzied island dancing, frozen tropical drinks and a Fantasy Fest costume contest,” said Claudia Pennington, CEO of the Key West Arts and Historical Society.
“This is an early Fantasy Fest event,” Pennington said, “and locals usually take advantage of the evening with Robert. If you have a costume, it’s a great time to give it a test drive and celebrate with friends before our guests from the mainland arrive.”
Key West Mayor Morgan McPherson is slated to proclaim Oct. 22 as “Robert the Enchanted Doll Day,” celebrating Robert’s 101 birthday.
Century 21 Prestige Realty Group sponsors the event, and it benefits both Easter Seals Keys Region and the Key West Arts and Historical Society, so prices continue to be reasonable.
General admission, $45 at the door. VIP tickets are $100 at the door. VIP ticket holders will be treated to a hosted bar all evening.
Tickets may be purchased 9:30am to 4:30pm everyday at the East Martello Museum. For more information, call Jake Stanton at Century 21 Prestige Realty Group, 294-6637.

If you are a member of the media and would like to receive more information and/or pictures, please contact: communications@kwahs.org