As charity fund-raisers go, the AIDS Resource Center Ohio’s Masquerage has earned a reputation as being an over the top, all out bash. The masked ball was dubbed Dayton’s Party of Parties by Ron Rollins of the Dayton Dayton Daily News several years ago and this themed event has continued to grow. Started in 2002 by Square One Salon owners Brent Johnson, Doug Henderson and Josh Stucky at Therapy Cafe, the party has grown and moved across town, to such unusual venues like The Merc, The Foundry and it’s latest home- the Roundhouse at the Montgomery County Fairgrounds.
Designer Chris Newman
Hundreds of volunteers will spend the week transforming the two story white barn into a fantasy set, under the direction of designer Chris Newman, owner of Cheeky Monkey, an interior design and faux painting company. Newman volunteered in 2009 to help with one room at the Circus themed event that year, as then stepped up the next year as the creative visionary behind the Heavenly Pleasures and Sinful Delights 2010 Masquerage. In 2011 the ARC Ohio party celebrated a Decade of Decadence, bringing back some of the scenery and entertainment of the past 10 years.
Masquerage 2012…Where Evil Can Be Tempting will pay homage to Vixens and Villains. This theme was chosen to encompass a wide range of costume possibilities- from Gangsters and Molls of the 2o’s and 30’s, to B Movie Vixens, and without a doubt there will be some Disney villains like Cruella De Vil, Ursulas and Maleficent. While costumes aren’t required, over the years more and more of the crowd has gotten into the spirit, and last year about 70% of the crowd were decked out. But the one thing that is required of all party guests is a mask, and whether you choose an elaborate professionally created head, a mardi gras mask or have one painted on, your options are endless. Make up Artist Kelly Heuss explains “the painted on masks are the most comfortable, as often the plastic ones get pretty hot and sweaty when you’re dancing the night away. ” You can make an appointment with Kelly of www.airodynamic.net to get a mask painted on at Square One Salon, the Beauty Box and Mac cosmetics counters are also offering the service.
Cake Hope & Love’s Red Velvet Cupcakes will help raise $ for Masquerage.
What makes Masquerage more than just a dance party is the entertainment. Over the years there have been Aerialists dangling from silk ropes, escape artists, contortionists, dance crews, fire dancers, knife throwers, and more. While ARC Ohio won’t reveal the line up for this year, they promise to continue the tradition of sexy, sultry and super eye catching performers.
And what’s a party without great food. Chef Matt Hayden of Scratch Catering has created amazing munchies over the years and always has something tasty planned. Cake Hope & Love will be featuring some sweet treats this year and has even gone a step further by offering to donate a a portion of all proceeds from the sale of their red velvet cupcakes from their Beavercreek store to ARC Ohio.
All guests will be welcomed with a Jaegermesiter cocktail and Yeungling Beers and Buckeye Vodka are the barsponsors this year. General admission tickets are $50, which is exactly what it costs ARC Ohio to administer one HIV test. Testing is provided free to anyone who asks, and the test is a swab of the cheek with results in just 20 minutes.
If you prefer to attend Masquerage as a VIP, splurge for the Red Ribbon Lounge tickets, which include valet parking by Lexus of Dayton, face painting, all of your drinks, appetizers, entry into the 2nd floor lounge and the always coveted Swag Bag for $150. Tickets can be purchased online or at Square One Salons, Lexus of Dayton or Ghostlight Coffee. Tickets will be available at the event, but will cost $10 more there. The party starts at 8pm and runs til 1am, but the fun won’t end then, the official Masquerage After Party is hosted by MJ’s Cafe at 119 W. Third Street.
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Dayton Most Metro Ticket Contest
Dayton Most Metro is a proud sponsor of Masquerage and we’ve got a ticket hook up for three of our loyal readers! Just fill out the form below, and then leave a comment telling us that YOU want tickets to go to Masquerage from Dayton Most Metro (and what VILLAIN or VIXEN you might go as) – we’ll announce winners on Wednesday October 17th after 3pm – GOOD LUCK!
CONTEST CLOSED
Congratulations to our winners:
Carol Narigon
Jamie McQuinn
Annette Looper
