Charles City Arts Center hosts Halloween Bash

By Travis Fischer, tkfischer@charlescitypress.com

Ghouls, ghosts, and more took to the dance floor as the Charles City Arts Council put on its second annual Monster Bash on Saturday, Oct. 28.

Setting up at the Wildwood Clubhouse, costumed community members came out to enjoy the party for an evening of music and food ahead of Halloween night.

Providing live music for the event was the Surf Zombies, a popular eastern Iowa band who spent the evening playing horror-themed hits.

Attendees also enjoyed barbeque pork sandwiches, homemade macaroni and cheese, and Texas beans made by Kim Arndt.

In between dancing and feasting, partygoers also enjoyed taking photos at the spooky selfie station and got to try their luck for a variety of prizes donated by board members and local businesses with a raffle drawing.

Funds raised during the party will go toward replenishing the Arts Center’s general fund, which pays for staff wages, repairs, and other day-to-day expenses.

As the evening wound down, raffle winners were drawn and the awards for best costumes were selected.

Coming in first place was Erik Gordon, who attended the party as “Scooby-Doo’s” Velma. In second, Rob and Phoebe Pittman were recognized as “Married with Children’s” Al and Peggy Bundy, while Tina Schmidt was awarded third place for her peacock inspired outfit.

With the second year under wraps, the Arts Center’s Halloween Bash is becoming one of its biggest fundraisers and the board is looking forward to making it bigger and better.

“It’s a fun event,” said board President Elissa Ellis. “We plan on doing this every year.”