Photos by Catherine Stachowiak
Neighbors gathered at the Art and Community Center, Saturday October 26, for the Kern River Valley Art Association’s very first Masquerade Ball. Lots of families joined in on the festivities with their wee ones all dressed in their Halloween costumes.
President of the KRVAA, Christopher Buffalo Folsom told the Kern Valley Sun, “The reason for this event is to bring the community together. I realize that they have the Senior Dance over at the Senior Center. But we just wanted to open up a dance to everybody, to kids and adults. And Halloween is such a fun time because everybody likes dressing up as different things especially the kids.”
According to Folsom, the occasion was one of the Neighbor to Neighbor Grant events, although, even if the organization had not received the grant, the KRVAA would have presented the event regardless. “I’m hoping we’re going to have a good crowd tonight. Back in the day we used to have dances all over the place,” he said.
The association’s Big Red building was nicely decorated with fancy table settings. Lead Docent of the KRVAA Kimberly Salazar helped organize the Masquerade Ball with Vice President of the KRVAA Laura Tran. Salazar said, “We’re very excited to have youth attend and dance the night away.”
What the event was about, according to Salazar was neighbors socializing with their own neighbors and community, having a good time, and helping people feel connected.
Salazar said she was grateful to all of the volunteers who helped prepare everything for the event and especially Patty Kelly who made the most of the KRVAA’s paper mache decorations, including “Skeleton Bob,” which was up for raffle that evening.
Salazar was also grateful for Ashley, who ran the coffee cart, and Randy for playing music all evening.
Before the evening’s events fell off, Buffalo announced to the dancing crowd, “I want to thank everybody for being here because this is truly what the art association is about. It’s about community and family and bringing people together. We’re going to do a kids contest for best costume.”
Children, ranging from toddler age to teens, participated in the Costume Contest. The contest had no specific winner because every participant won. The KRVAA gave every participant a bag of prizes with candy.
Kern River Ceviche Company sold food, at a discount, outside the event. The KRVAA served snacks.
