For the first time in more than a decade, Family Weekend landson Halloween, adding a twist to annual campus holiday activities.While some events are not affected, others have adapted to cater toparents and siblings as well as students. The annual Halloweenparty held by the Art Museum is one such event.
While keeping with tradition and providing live music, a costumecontest, a scavenger hunt and free refreshments, a new kids cornerwith games and activities just for the younger crowd will also beavailable.
Tonight's scary-movie-themed Halloween party kicks off theweekend as not only one of the first events, but also has freeadmission. The party will be from 6 to 8 p.m.
The idea for a Halloween party came up a decade ago when themuseum realized they needed to provide more events specifically forstudents. That year they were holding an exhibit concerning lifeand the afterlife.
"It leant itself to Halloween, and that seemed like a goodreason to have a party," Nancy Huth, Assistant Director and Curatorof Education, said. Huth has been involved with the event from thebeginning.
Because of Family Weekend, a larger crowd than normal isexpected. Traditionally, attendance has been around 120 people, butnumbers are expected to reach 200 this year. Despite the largergroup, there will be plenty for visitors to keep busy with. Alongwith live music from 6-7:30 p.m. and free refreshments, there willbe games and activities for all ages.
Music will be provided by popular area blues group Mike Milliganand Steam Shovel, who have previously opened at Quad Bash.
"We tried to get him last year but he was booked so we asked himreally early this year," Huth said. Milligan is a graduate of BallState, and the band was named the Best Blues Band in Indiana in2002 at the Slippery Noodle Inn (www.theslipperynoodleinn.com) bythe Crossroads Blues Society of Indiana, according to the band Website.
Scavenger hunters can spend time exploring featured collectionsby following clues around the museum. Questions will involvefinding specific pieces of art and their artists. The hunt ties inwith the party theme and takes about 15-30 minutes.
Children can work with their parents on "Creepy Crafts," andhave a written guide designed specifically for them about "CreepyCritters" in the museum.
The big activity of the night is the costume contest. Anyone whocomes dressed up is entered to win and the judging takes place overthe course of the evening by roaming judges James Ruebel, Dean ofthe Honors College, and Chris Shea, Professor of Classics.
Over $400 in prizes will be given out at the end of the night,mostly in gift certificates for restaurants, but also for otherlocal business and T-shirts. The grand prize will be a $75 giftcertificate to local restaurant Vera Mae's.
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