Chris JonesLooking for the “most interesting thing to do on Halloween?” Junior Julian Smoger says that Dracula’s Ball is the place to be. Sponsored by Dancing Ferret, Dracula’s Ball is a “big gothic prom.” The ball this year is the “Grand Twentieth Anniversary Ball” being held on Thursday, Oct. 31. The special location for this year is Egypt Nightclub, starting at 9 p.m. and ending at 2 a.m.
The ball, which is traditionally held Labor Day Sunday, Memorial Day Sunday, Halloween and sometimes New Year’s Eve or the Sunday night before Martin Luther King Day, is the largest reoccurring theme party of its kind in the country. The parties take place in clubs throughout the city of Philadelphia.
The theme of the parties is based on Goth and fantasy, but more so of a “vampiric theme.” DJs come from around the country to spin and there are usually two bands who also take part in the event. This year Dracula’s Ball will welcome DJ Marcel, DJ Cypher, DJ Damzelfly, DJ Luminal, Vasaria and Tapping the Vein.
New this year, there is a chance to win a trip for two to Romania, home of the legendary Transylvania. The trip includes round-trip airfare from either New York City or Washington, D.C., transportation to and from the airport, six nights of accommodations, guided tours, and much more. However, the deadline for entering the drawing has passed. The winner will be drawn at midnight.
The Rialto is a variety of vendors, artists and craftsman spread throughout Dracula’s Ball. Throughout The Rialto, a range of items can be purchased such as custom-made vampire fangs, veils, jewelry, leather goods, artwork or even temporary airbrush tattoos.
The question of what to wear remains entirely up to anyone planning to attend the Ball. However, there are a few rules that Dancing Ferret would like people to follow. Costumes may not contain any items that the security staff would normally not allow in the club, such as guns, swords, knives or other sharp metal things. Costumes can be provocative, but in accordance with the law, everything has to be covered.
Parties are tolerant, inclusive affairs, and costumes that are contrary to that spirit will not be allowed. Anyone who is unsure about what to wear, Dancing Ferret suggests visiting some of their sponsors, including Zipperhead located on South Street in between Fourth and Fifth Streets or Armed & Dangerous, located on Fourth just south of South Street.
Still interested in attending Dracula’s Ball? Tickets can be purchased by visiting Dancing Ferret’s official ticket outlet, Digital Ferret Compact Discs located at 526 S. Fifth St., online through Ticketmaster.com or calling or visiting an authorized Ticketmaster outlet. Tickets are $13; however admission at the door will be $15 subject to availability.
