ABOVE: Tampa’s All Hallows’ Ball. Photo courtesy All Hallows.
TAMPA | The annual All Hallows’ Masquerade Ball won’t return this year after all.
The not-for-profit, private event is one of Tampa’s longest-running traditions. A small group of organizers have thrown a costume party for Tampa Bay’s LGBTQ community each Halloween season for more than 40 years, cancelling in 2020 due to COVID-19.
The 44th outing was scheduled to return Oct. 23, 2021 at the Bryan Glazer Family JCC, organizers announced July 5. That changed Aug. 24 in response to Florida’s rise in COVID-19 cases.
“For the past forty-plus years, our combined goals have always been to provide you with a safe, enjoyable, and memorable party experience,” All Hallows announced via email. “When we sent the Save The Date postcard in July, we were confident we could meet those goals.
“However, due to the sudden upturn in COVID-19 infections since then … and the uncertainty of the next few months, we don’t feel that we can meet those goals this year,” they continued. “Since we can’t provide a safe experience, it is just not worth the risk to you, our friends, to move forward with the party this year.”
Organizers added that while they’re disappointed, they will return Oct. 22, 2022.
“Please stay safe and well,” they shared. “We’re looking forward to seeing all of you then!”
For more information about All Hallows, view Watermark’s photos from previous events and visit AllHallowsBall.org.
