Outlandish costumes and raucous revelry traced back to  dawn of new century

Those who’ve visited what the locals call Ptown are well aware that elaborate costuming is very much the norm, regardless of occasion. But in this seaside resort on Cape Cod’s foggy tip where the pilgrims first landed, what many don’t know is the fascinating historical narrative behind how Provincetown’s love for dressing up in costumes would evolve into what sets the town’s grand scale of Halloween apart from any other place on Earth.

As pumpkins appear to mark the annual Hallow’s Eve, the ghouls of America’s past start crawling around the misty harbor of Ptown. In addition to the standard trick-or-treating, haunted houses and dressing up in costumes that comes with many Halloween commemorations, Provincetown offers a historical relevance to its annual celebration unlike any other. Perhaps being rated as one of the nation’s quirkiest towns and home to America’s oldest and continuous permanent artist colony lend to the aura of expressionism that overcomes Halloween activities in Ptown. It also could be that a place renowned for diversity and free expression would build on the history of elaborate costume balls first celebrated just after the turn of the 19th century.

Those with any knowledge of the origins of Halloween in America know that the traditions began around the 1930s. The origins of dressing in lavish and outrageous costumes began much earlier in Provincetown and would later inspire the unique Halloween celebration most who’ve visited during this time of year have come to know and love.

Beaux Arts Ball circa 1915

The Beaux Arts Ball, as it is known today, is a Provincetown tradition dating back to 1915 that’s given Provincetown’s population of artists and fisherman a venue to dress up in costumes and cut loose for the better part of the last century. The original ball took place annually from 1915 well into the 1950s before fading out. Then, in 2013, the event was resurrected by a duo of promoters and the Beaux Arts Ball became the town’s annual Halloween crown jewel it is considered to be today.

The event takes place each year at the historical Provincetown Town Hall, which dates back to 1886. There was a time when a thousand people attended the ball. The details of who attended and what costumes were worn became fodder for Boston newspapers. The balls were usually sponsored by either the Provincetown Art Association, as it was known then, or the private Beachcombers Club. Iconic American painter Normal Rockwell even served as a judge in 1947.

This year’s Beaux Arts Ball will continue the Ptown heritage and tradition of donning costumes that began so long ago. It is only one of the many events taking place in Halloween’s first destination during the last weekend in October. « Originally the Ball had no connection to Halloween, » said Anthony Fuccillo, Provincetown Tourism Director. « However, the history of the town’s personality and characters has formatively produced a Ptown Halloween that welcomes everyone. What better place to celebrate the holiday? »

Festivities run from October 31 to November 2 and feature a little of everything to make a memorable and singular Halloween. From dastardly, dance-until-you’re-dead parties at one of Ptown’s famed clubs, to crazy costume competitions awarding cash prizes for the sexiest or scariest ensemble, there’s no shortage of events to rattle your skeleton’s bones, while proving why Provincetown’s Halloween is one of the most fun times of year to visit. Some of these offerings include:

October 31, 2014
Halloween Tea Dance Party – from 4pm – 9pm at the Boatslip Resort, 161 Commercial St. – Get a jump start on your Halloween howl and join us for a special extended Tea Dance with Resident DJ Maryalice!
Ghoulish Halloween – 6pm – Our demons will serve up your favorite potion. Show off your costumes in front of our dancing fire at The Porchside Bar, then stick around for best costume party in town from 9pm-1am at Club Purgatory at The Gifford House Inn, at 9 Carver St on the corner of Bradford St.
Spooky Weekend Meet & Greet / Rocky Horror Screening / Saints & Sinners Party – from 5pm – 9pm – Come for the drink specials & complimentary light fare at the Wave Bar @ the Crown & Anchor, 247 Commercial St. (No Cover!). Stay for the cult classic movie screening in your best « dressed to thrill » costume. Finally, stick around for dancing to special guest DJ Steve Marsden with all the other Halloween lions, tigers and bears in their best leather outfits or uniforms at the Saints & Sinners Party, part of Spooky Bear Weekend!
November 1, 2014
Spooky Bear Afternoon Tea – 2pm – 5pm, Wear your wildest & nastiest t-shirts and win prizes at The Vault at 247 Commercial St. (No Cover!)
Beaux Arts Ball 2014 – 8pm, Town Hall, 260 Commercial St. – proceeds to benefit H.O.W. (Helping Our Women)
Spooky Bear Party & Costume Contest – 9pm, Cash prizes for Best Group, Sexiest & Scariest Costumes with guest DJ Steve Marsden at Paramount at the Crown & Anchor, 247 Commercial St. ($10 cover)
It’s pretty clear why Provincetown could easily make a claim to the title of First Destination for Halloween, in addition to its many other firsts. A visit during the end of October will leave you feeling as if you’ve done, seen and heard things you’ll likely not experience ever again, which explains why so many come back each year for more frightening fun and hair-raising hijinks. So hop on your brooms or crawl from your crypts to Provincetown this Halloween for the bizarre, scary, outrageous, historical and most of all, the incomparable.

For More Information, contact:

Johnson Clawson, jc@mcopr.com