'50s, '60s provide theme for ball

By Jamie Teibel
Summer Editor

Barbie, Ken, G.I. Joe, Elvis, Marilyn Monroe, James Dean, — these some examples of the popular figures that might make an appearance at 8 p.m. Saturday at the Fowler House Museum.

"Tickled Pink" Masquerade Ball, hosted by The Tippecanoe County Historical Association, is the spot of choice for these and many others for the costumed event.

The evening holds many exciting activities for the 21 and over attendees including a dance contest, a best costume contest, crowning of a king and queen and an antique car show, said Laura Loy, director of PR and marketing for The Tippecanoe County Historical Association.

A panel of judges chooses the king and queen and all who attend are eligible to win. On the front lawn, classic thunderbirds and corvettes will be displayed providing ball-goers with a photo opportunity. Purdue Night Train will perform exhibition dancing. "We watch them do something we all wish we could do," said Jane Boswell, president of the association.

The Civic Improv group will offer "gorilla comedy" throughout the evening when Jim Alkire's Band takes a break from entertaining the crowd with swing music.

The game room offers games such as "Blindfolded Doll Dressing," "Ken Toss" and more "really outrageously fun games," said Boswell.

She said door prizes will be given away, sending winners home with prizes such as dinner for two at a local restaurant, a spa day at Christina & Company Inc. and many other prizes. The grand prize is an evening for two at The Loeb House Inn.

Games aren't the only things offered at the ball. Seattle Beanery will cater food, which along with wine is included in the ticket price, and Phil's Place is providing a cash bar.

Boswell said that people are already planning to dress up as their favorite '50s and '60s cultural icons. "People are really getting into the spirit of it." Guests are not required to get "dolled up," but are encouraged for the theme of the ball.

Boswell, who will arrive as Madame Alexander, said she doesn't want men to shy away from the event because of the title of the ball. She said the event caters to the men with a tent on the front lawn under which cards and cigars are offered. There will also be a cigarette girl walking around in a costume "a la fifties and sixties," she said.

• "Tickled Pink" Masquerade Ball is sponsored exclusively by PEFCU along with Painter Gulbransen Corportation, Kettlehut Construction, the Shook Agency and WBBA Purdue Radio Network. Guests must be 21 to attend, limit 150 participants. Cost is $40 per person, $30 for The Tippecanoe County Historical Association members. Tickets can be purchased at Fowler House or by phone (476-8401) and must be ordered by Wednesday. The Fowler House Museum is located at 909 South Street, Lafayette.