HighBall: Masquerade on High Brings Carnivale Vibe to Columbus, Ohio

    COLUMBUS, OH, September 10, 2011 /24-7PressRelease/ -- One of the most talked about and highly anticipated Halloween events in the Midwest, Columbus' wildly popular Highball: Masquerade on High celebrates the art of design and masquerade. The signature focal point of HighBall is a dramatic runway/stage built on the street under the iconic glowing Short North arches.

2011 HighBall Halloween: Masquerade On High takes place Friday, October 28, 2011 starting at 5 p.m. The wild street party takes place in the Short North Arts District on High Street at the intersection of Fifth Ave. This celebration of the fabulous side of Halloween, the art of design and the masquerade will feature a dazzling 60-foot outdoor runway under the iconic lighted Short North arches. With attendance topping 20,000, general admission is just $5 at the gate. VIP packages, including parking, private bar, backstage pass, preferred runway/stage seating are available via advance purchase at http://www.HighBallHalloween.com for $65.

Highball features over-the-top masquerade competitions that spotlight the creative talents of both professional designers and amateurs alike. Finalists strut their stuff on stage before 20,000 cheering revelers. Thousands of dollars in cash and prizes will be awarded in several categories. This year, HighBall's themes will add new twists to the design challenge. A real-time Costume Couture Fashion Showdown is a professional designer competition. The HighBall Costume Contest for the general public awards prizes in each of five competition categories:
- Most Radiant - costume features LED, laser, UV reactive or other glow accessories
- Best Transformation - costume transforms from one look to another
- Most Fabulous - an outrageously gorgeous costume
- Best Extreme Face Painting - beyond basic clown makeup!
- Best B-Movie Ensemble - a group category paying homage to the campiest of the campy

Other event features include: DJs, dancers, live stage performances, theatrical numbers, giant body puppets, light shows, real-time UV mural painting and the Dogtober Howl-o-Ween Canine Contest.

Highball event information is available at www.highballhalloween.com. Complete travel information, including details on lodging, dining and attractions in Columbus and is available at www.ExperienceColumbus.com or by calling 1-866-397-2657 (1-866-EXP-COLS). The website offers on-line booking at more than 125 hotels.

# # #