Let's Have A Ball

Once viewed as a time for spirits to pass from the boundaries of Earth to the otherworld, Halloween has come a long way. Now as assimilated as any other holiday, Halloween is no longer perceived to be as frightening and ghoulish as it once was. And while trick-or-treating is undeniably a worthy pursuit much better for adults is the dressing-up part of the celebration. Between the prurient nurses and licentious witches, there aren't enough fantastical and eerie costumes (or even fabric, it sometimes seems) to go around. And you'll need a really excellent costume to attend the annual Lemp Mansion Costume Ball, hosted by the most supernatural residence in St. Louis, the Lemp Mansion (3322 DeMenil Place) on Halloween night. Featuring free food and an open bar from 8 p.m. to midnight, live music from Hush, Stacy Collins and Calico Creek, and a costume contest with cash prizes, this could be the party that pays for itself — if you think up a wicked-enough getup. Tickets are $45 in advance and $50 at the door; visit www.lempmansion.com or call 314-664-8024.
Sat., Oct. 31, 2009