EVENT REPORT 11.08.07 2:21 PM Florida Aquarium Stirs Up the Creative Waters for Halloween
Guests got "nauti" at the Florida Aquarium's annual Nauti-Night Halloween event.
The Florida Aquarium's 10th annual masquerade ball, Nauti-Night, isn't your typical costume ball, and for one evening a year, the space isn't your typical aquarium. On October 26, the Tampa aquarium transformed its exhibit spaces into spooky environments for dining, dancing, and cocktails.
The aquarium turned to Grand Events of Florida LLC to make the exhibits worthy of a creepy creature of the deep. A magnificent crystal chandelier covered in cobwebs was suspended above the stingray tank in the grand lobby entrance. On the second floor, hallways to various exhibits became cavernous tunnels filled with spiderwebs, large raven silhouettes, and—of course—a skull here and there.
The Wizard of Oz trio was a favorite among event attendees. Photography by Chanele
Guests were greeted by a devilishly delicious chocolate piranha display at the dessert bar. Photography by Chanele
A purple-clad singer of the headlining band entertained hundreds of guests throughout the evening. Photography by Chanele
The Where's Waldo? costume finalist struck a classic pose for photographers. Photography by Chanele
A magnificent crystal chandelier covered in aged cobwebs was suspended above the stingray tank in the grand lobby entrance. Tom Wagner, Public Relations, Florida Aquarium
Webs covered the exhibit walls to create cavernous spooky tunnels for guests to venture into. Photography by Chanele
Skulls were strewn about the aquarium, adding to the haunted atmosphere. Photography by Chanele
More than 450 guests dined on a Cuban-inspired menu, complete with black beans and rice and plantains, by Pollo Tropical. As the night progressed, attendees ventured deeper in the haunted aquarium, where they were greeted by a chocolate piranha display and dessert bar, created by Council Oak - Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. Among the most popular desserts were the gourmet chocolate lollipops.
Entertainment was strategically placed throughout the two-story aquarium, both indoors and out, to maintain a dance-club-style atmosphere. Near the 93,000-gallon shark tank exhibit, a DJ spun retro hits that had guests cutting a rug in front of the notorious predators. On the ground floor, Synchronicity, a high-energy band specializing in current dance hits, kept the costumed patrons entertained until midnight.
Throughout the evening, attendees competed for a grand prize of $1,000 for the best costume. Among the crowds favorites were a remarkable Where's Waldo? look-alike and a trio from The Wizard of Oz, including the Wicked Witch of the West, a flying monkey, and a castle guard.
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