LOYAL. LOCAL. COMPLETE.
Adults in Paris are invited to don their most creative costumes and join the festivities at the second annual Paris Park Board fundraiser, “Monsters Masquerade,” a Halloween-themed event at 6:30 p.m., on Oct. 25.
This year’s event will take place at Ernie Eveland Gym and promises an evening of fun, music and meaningful impact, raising crucial funds to enhance and maintain the city’s beloved 13 parks.
“This is a great opportunity for every service organization, club or business that hosts events in our city parks to help add new features and care for these outdoor spaces so that their events can continue to flourish and grow,” said event organizer and president of the Park Board, Kelly Toon.
According to Toon, the theme of a “Monster Masquerade” was specially chosen to allow both “fans of dressing up in full costume and those who might only consider a mask and regular clothes,” a chance to celebrate the season together.
“We will take you however you want to show up, in a creative costume or jeans and a mask,” Toon said. “We just want you to come out and celebrate.”
For those who choose to dress up, a costume contest with categories for best individual, best duo and best group costumes will be a highlight of the evening. Attendees can also purchase dollar tickets to vote for their favorites in each category, adding a fun and interactive element to the evening.
Toon shared that the Park Board plans to transform the gym with moody, all-black decorations and atmospheric lighting to set the perfect Halloween mood. A DJ will provide music spanning all genres, including Halloween-themed songs, ensuring there’s something for everyone on the dance floor.
Guests can also look forward to heavy appetizers and a cash bar.
“Last year’s event earned a quarter of our budget from our first fundraiser. We’re hoping to increase that number this year,” Toon said. “It’s through donations this year and a small fundraising event in the spring that we were able to secure funds for the lion fountain and resurface the basketball courts at Sunrise and Sunset parks.”
Toon also said that the organization’s endowment, which supports all 13 parks and serves 8,700 residents, averages about $3.64 per person, making fundraisers and community support critical for the board to continue making a difference in each space.
“We are so thankful for the community support throughout the year, through the volunteer efforts that have helped us already paint structures and care for the grounds,” Toon said. “We really hope that this fundraiser serves as both a fun night for our community and a way to continue caring for our parks in a big way.”
Tickets for the fundraiser will be available at the door and in advance by contacting the Park Board. Links to directly purchase tickets are also available on the Paris Park Board Facebook page.