Event: Saturday, October 31, 1998 at 9pm

Halloween Costume Party to Benefit The Renovation of the Watchung Arts Center

The Watchung Arts Center, a thriving nonprofit home for the visual and performing arts in Somerset County, has scheduled a "Come as you were in a past life" Halloween Costume Fund raiser for Saturday, October 31st, starting at 9:00 p.m. The event will be held in the (some say haunted) 139 year-old original Watchung Schoolhouse on the Watchung Village Circle. Tickets are $20 per person (adults only, over 21 please) and attendance is limited. For reservations and ticket information please call The Watchung Arts Center at 908-753-0190.

Executive Director Shelia Duyckinck explained, "We decided to focus our fund-raiser around Halloween for two reasons. One is that many adults have really gotten more involved in Halloween activities through their children, and it's perhaps the one day when adults can dress up and act silly and dramatic. Secondly, our old building is in need of some expensive renovations. The floors creak, the ghost moans and the windows must be replaced. For Halloween effects this is great, but we're hoping for a good turnout so we can address changes to the entrance foyer and replace windows. All proceeds from this Halloween event will go toward the Renovation Fund."

There will be a DJ spinning spooky and danceable tunes, and lots of door prizes. Guests may bring their favorite beverage to accompany delicious refreshments. Parking will be available at The Watchung Arts Center, The Watchung Public Library, The Texier House (across the street in the middle of the Watchung Village Circle) and the Best Lake lot.

In the past, the Watchung Optimist Club held many successful Haunted House events in the old School house. Those who attended remember the line of people stretching out the front door. "We hope our "Come as you were in a past life" fund-raiser is half as successful as those in the past!" remarked Board member Sandy Joren of Watchung.

"We're looking forward to a fantastic event," added Watchung Arts Center Board President, Mr. Heinz Otto of Warren. The Center will be decorated to the hilt with scary skeletons, leering corpses and other ghoulish features. It should be a great evening of adult Halloween fun, and we encourage everyone to make their reservations early!"