Gorgeous gowns and ghoulish capes will sweep across the lawn at Courthouse Square, as guests travel up the darkened path to the “Masquerade On The Square”, for the Berrien County Historical Association’s annual fundraiser on October 13th, 2022.
Under the waning Hunter’s Moon, dive into spooky season with food, drinks, games, and more, as the night promises fun and frightful entertainment. This fabulous evening in Berrien Springs kicks off at 6 p.m, and will be the biggest event of the year for the Berrien County Historical Association.
“Since the mid-2000s, the BCHA has hosted a fundraiser during the Fall season, with a focus on historical theater and themes,” says Rhiannon Cizon, Executive Director of the Berrien County Historical Association. “While this idea had been floated as early as 2019, the theme came after a chance conversation with one of our vendors. We realized there was no major Halloween party in the area and that we could kill two birds with one stone – fill that need AND have a great party!”
As this event will happen outdoors, many stations will be set up throughout the Square for attendees to enjoy. The historic Murdoch Log Cabin will host vintage-inspired Halloween games, as well as a photo backdrop against the rustic fireplace. The jail plaza will be rockin’ with vintage, modern, and spooky tunes, and presents the perfect stage for dancing. The tables will feature cauldrons bubbling over with candy, and each guest will receive a trick-or-treat bag upon arrival.
Rhiannon adds, “Costumes are not required for the evening, but they are definitely encouraged as we’ll be having a tasteful costume contest with four categories: Best Historic Costume, Best Couples Costume, Funniest Costume, and Most Original.”
Throughout the evening, a silent auction will take place, with local businesses excitedly donating prizes and prize packages for the cause. (The Boulevard Inn & Bistro in St. Joseph has included a certificate for a one night stay!) A night like this can only happen with many helping hands, and there are still multiple levels of sponsorship available for anyone wishing to support this fundraiser.
Ticket sales for ‘Masquerade On The Square’ are now open, and cost $50 per person, or $450 for a table of ten. This includes a hearty appetizer spread and dessert bar by Classic Catering, as well as seasonal beer and wine by Beverage Associates. “We’re definitely leaning into the cozy, seasonal flavors we love in October,” says Rhiannon. “This year’s signature drink is an Apple Cider Sangria!”
“Fundraisers like this provide critical funding for museum operations, which range from utility costs, to purchasing programming materials for school field trips. While grants and donation campaigns have supported our renovation work, the everyday costs of running the museum are supported by events like Masquerade on the Square,” says Rhiannon.
October festivities lean toward mystery and intrigue, and this affair will be one to remember! You can purchase tickets through October 4th online, or in-person at the museum. Sponsorships are open until October 5th, and silent auction items are welcomed through October 9th. Courthouse Square is located at 313 N. Cass Street in Berrien Springs, and their website, where you can learn more about the work they do, is berrienhistory.org.
By Jocelyne Tuszynski, MOTM Contributor
