Mardi Gras-Style Masquerade Ball Announced in Columbus, Ohio; Pets, People to Celebrate Outlandish Creativity
Billed as part Carnivale and part Mardi Gras, with a pinch of Halloween, Columbus, OH will celebrate Halloween in its characteristic wildly creative style as it brings back Masquerade on High.

COLUMBUS, OH, October 03, 2010 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Billed as part Carnivale and part Mardi Gras, with a pinch of Halloween, Columbus' Short North Arts District will celebrate Halloween in its characteristic wildly creative style as it brings back for the third year, HighBall Halloween: Masquerade on High. On Sat., Oct. 30, 2010, the event kicks off at 4 p.m. with the Mini-Masques: Children's Costume Contest, live music, a dance DJ, an unforgettable fashion show, pet costume contest and a parade of costumes, expected to range from beautiful to bizarre and fancy to fantastical.

Columbus fashion designers are called upon to bring out their top designs to be shown on the 80-foot stage as renowned drag queen Nina West introduces each design. Designers are encouraged to be creative and to add a HighBall Couture Costume to their collection. Judges will crown one "HighBall Couture Costume Designer of the Year," who will receive a $1,000 prize package.

Thousands of dollars in cash and prizes will be awarded to costume contest winners in each of five categories: Best Drag King and Queen, Best Celebrity Look-a-Like, Best Tag Team (for teams of two or more people), Simply Splendid and Cirque Fantasy. Contestants can register the night of the event at the HighBall check-in station.

Registration for the Children's Costume Contest takes place at 2 p.m. for anyone ages 2-12 and will be judged in five categories: Best Super Hero, Best Circus Star, Best Kids Book Character, Funniest, Most Original and Best of Show. Kids will also enjoy the Short North Trick-or-Treat on High Street from 1- 3:30 p.m.

Pet owners are also encouraged to dress their pets up in creative outfits for Dogtober Howloween. Pets can be entered to win prizes for Most Whimsical, Most Colorful, Most Outrageous, Best Duo (owner and pet) and Most Fabulous Costume. Details and registration information are available online at www.highballhalloween.com.

Columbus is a city unlike any other. Vibrant and alive, Ohio's capital city is known for its unique style: an uncommon blend of neighborhoods, events, attractions and accommodations. Free visitors guides, maps and complete information about visiting Columbus are available at www.ExperienceColumbus.com or by calling 1-866-397-2657 (1-866-EXP-COLS). The website offers on-line booking at more than 125 hotels.

Press Release Contact Information:

Amy Weirick
Weirick Communications, Inc.
President
7792 Olentangy River Rd.
Columbus, OH
USA 43235
Voice: 614-848-8380
Fax: 614-848-8387