Muckenthaler Moonlight Masquerade

Tonight we kicked off our first Halloween party of the season. We were invited by our friends Dana and Eric to the Muckenthaler Moonlight Masquerade, which was a really fun Halloween-themed party and fundraiser held at Fullerton's historic Muckenthaler Cultural Center.


Fidel and Coffee Matey at the Muckenthaler Moonlight Masquerade. (10/28/07)

Normally, this event costs $60 a person. Because Dana's company was a sponsor, however, she had an entire table to fill. Since Dana was the only one from work going, she decided to fill the table with people that she likes. And inexplicably, we somehow made the cut! :)


Some of our table mates and their friends. (10/28/07)

And far be it for us to turn down a party invitation. Especially when it's held at a historic place, like the Muckenthaler Mansion, which is on the National Registry of Historic Places.


Party guests inspired by Blades of Glory. (10/28/07)

The 18-room mansion was built by Walter and Adella Muckenthaler in 1924 for the then-outrageous sum of $35,000. Designed by architect Frank Benchley, the Italian Renaissance-style structure is reminiscent of buildings constructed for San Diego’s 1915 Exposition in Balboa Park.


Dana the sexy nurse with Coffee Matey. (10/28/07)

Unfortunately, the party was mostly held outside, and since it was at night, we didn't get to see as much of the mansion as I would have liked. Oh well, it gives us an excuse to go back sometime in the daylight when they offer art classes and the like.


"Oscar de la Hoya" was at the party too. (10/28/07)

The party was so much fun. We dined on an array of fall-themed appetizers, and enjoyed some of the wine selections. They also had a no-host Martini bar, a local DJ, a tarot card reader, a palm reader and a fortune teller (although we didn't get the chance to visit any of them). Plus, as you would expect with any fundraiser, there was a live auctions, as well as a silent auction.


Even without a costume, Debbie and Todd looked great. (10/28/07)

For our costumes, I went as Fidel Castro. Why, you ask? I actually wanted to dress as him for years, but now, due to his failing health, this may be the last time I can do it while he's still around. Tim resurrected his Coffee Matey costume from his 2006 birthday party. He spent so much cheddar on it then that we needed to amortize the cost of it by wearing it for another year! :)


Two iconic heads of state. (10/28/07)

We even entered the costume competition. (I knew I didn't have a chance, but I thought Tim did). In retrospect, we realize the contest was rigged. Although the first place winner, Queen Elizabeth I, was certainly deserving, the second and third place winners were totally cheesy. Must have been big donors.

Despite the loss, we had a great time, as we always do with Dana and Eric. Thanks for inviting us guys!