DemiCon XII Masquerade Information

About the DemiCon Masquerades...

Each year, DemiCon sponsors two events for the casual and serious costumer. The first event is our Friday night "Hall Costume Contest", where our mystery judges wander the halls and parties to find those whose fanciful attire is deserving of extra attention (and prizes!). The second event is our Formal Masquerade, held on Saturday evening, wherein contestants are given the opportunity to present their costumes and accompanying entertainment on stage in front of a live audience.

While the mystery judges for Friday's Hall Costume Contest remain, once again, a mystery, we are honored to have several notable judges for this year's formal masquerade. Des Moines Mayor Preston Daniels and his wife Patty Daniels will join award-winning costumers Pierre and Sandy Pettinger in evaluating contestants and awarding cash prizes. Prizes this year are made available once again courtesy of The Theatrical Shop. And, to top off what is sure to be a fun-filled and entertaining evening, DemiCon XII Fan Guest-of-Honor Tadao Tomamatsu will step up to perform this year's emcee duties.

While the Hall Costume Contest is operated as a very casual event (walk around in your costume on Friday night, and you're in), those intending to participate in the Formal Masquerade should familiarize themselves with the procedures and rules below. Any questions regarding this year's masquerade events should be directed to info@dmsfs.org, and include the word "Masquerade" in the subject line.

DemiCon Formal Masquerade Rules

1. All masquerade participants must be registered attendees of DemiCon. No exceptions.
2. There are 2 categories in which a costume may be entered:
   • 15 years of age and younger.
     This defines an entry designed and constructed primarily by someone who is 15 years of age or under on the masquerade date of May 5, 2001. The contestant may receive basic assistance from an adult, but the major portion of design and execution shall have been completed by the contestant. (i.e., "Mom showed me how to use the sewing machine, spot welder or drill press, and supervised -- but I did the work.") The costume may be modeled by an adult and still compete in this category.
   • 16 years of age and older.
     The contestant responsible for design and construction is 16 years of age or older on or before May 5, 2001. The entry may be modeled by a person of any age.
3. Costumes that have previously won a prize in a DemiCon masquerade or hall costume contest are not eligible to compete, and can be worn for exhibition only. Please fill out the masquerade entry form and mark the "Exhibition" category.
4. Purchased or rented costumes are not allowed in the masquerade. If you need clarification of this rule, please contact the masquerade organizer. Modified pieces will be allowed, but must be identified as such. (i.e., "I bought the jacket at Goodwill and hand painted the dragon skin pattern on it and added leather trim.")
5. No flagrant nudity. No costume is NO costume. Please do not re-enact the original Olympic games.
6. Small children must be under the supervision of a responsible adult at all times.
7. Costumes must be finished prior to arriving at the green room. No sewing, gluing, painting, welding or other heavy construction is allowed backstage. However, final assembly of large costumes and props, and unexpected repairs will be allowed.
8. For safety reasons the following are not allowed: live animals, projectiles, and substances which may stain or damage other costumes or hotel property. For example: you are not allowed to roll yourself in peanut butter, Jell-O, and hamsters, and throw Ping-Pong balls -- save it for your room party!
9. No pyrotechnics allowed. The Fire Marshall says so!
10. Illegal weapons of any kind are not allowed. All weapons must follow the DemiCon weapons policy. The use of all weapons must be cleared with the masquerade organizer ahead of time. If you are carrying a weapon of any type, you assume all risk both legally and financially by signing the masquerade entry form. An adult must sign for a minor using a weapon in their entry.
11. Surprise the audience, not the masquerade staff. If you are planning something unusual, let us know well in advance. Your secret is our secret.
12. The masquerade organizer reserves the right to eliminate any entry from competition that may endanger the audience, the hotel, or the participants. Furthermore, an entry can be eliminated for violation of any of the previous rules or any other reason deemed sufficient. Please remember that the rules are here to protect you and the convention. No one has ever been asked to leave a DemiCon masquerade. Let's all play nice and keep it that way.