MAC Hosts Virtual Halloween Costume Pageant & Contest for DuPage

The McAninch Arts Center (MAC) is now accepting entries for its first ever Virtual Halloween Costume Pageant and Contest. The virtual costume pageant will be broadcast on the MAC Facebook page (facebook.com/atthemac) beginning at noon Friday, Oct. 30 and will available for viewing throughout Halloween weekend. The contest is open to children ages 3-11 as well as pets in DuPage County. This event is sponsored by the Glen Ellyn Sweet Shoppe and the Two Bostons Pet Shop of Wheaton.

Per MAC Director Diana Martinez, “We know COVID-19 distancing protocols mean kids and their families won’t be able to celebrate in Halloween Parades as they usually do, so we wanted to do something special to help the residents of DuPage County celebrate in a fun and safe way.”

There are two Virtual Halloween Costume Pageant and Contest categories: Children (ages 3-11) and Pets. First-, Second- and Third-Prize winners will be selected in both categories.

Prizes for the Children’s category include Halloween-themed, candy-filled gift baskets provided by the Glen Ellyn Sweet Shoppe. Prizes for the Pet’s category are provided by Two Bostons Pet Shop of Wheaton and include a Two Bostons cookie tray variety pack with limited edition Halloween Puppy Kisses. The First-Prize also includes a $10 gift certificate and more. Second-Prize also includes a $7 gift certificate and Third-Prize, a $5 gift certificate. All winners in both categories will receive a family pass to the New Philharmonic’s Holiday Sing-Along with the Symphony virtual concert (Dec. 12-13).

Entrants to the Virtual Halloween Costume Pageant and Contest must have a DuPage County address. Those wishing to enter should send a 10-20 second video of their child or pet in their Halloween costume. For their videos, child entrants should, in the spirit of their costume character, say “Hello!” or “Trick or Treat!” (or a greeting of their choice) directed to viewers. Contestants will be judged on costume originality and video greeting.

Entry forms and submission details may be found at AtTheMAC.org/Events/Costume-Pageant. Entries must be received by Monday, Oct. 26 at 5 p.m. Entries will be judged on costume originality and video greeting. The parade will be available for viewing on the MAC’s Facebook page beginning at noon Friday, Oct. 30. Parade viewers can help the MAC decide the winners by mentioning their favorite contestants in the comments. The winners will be announced on the MAC’s Facebook page at 7 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 31.