Got a great mask? Want to show it off — and enter a contest to win great prizes? That’s the latest shout-out from Nyack merchants to any and all who want to have some real fun in a not-so-fun pandemic. They’re calling it “Maskarade.”
“We all have to wear masks,” said Maria Luisa Whittingham, Nyack boutique owner and leader of Nyack Merchants United. “But it doesn’t have to be boring. By now, lots of people have moved on from papery surgicals to creative, custom designs that deliver a message or make a fashion statement.”
The proposition from Nyack merchants: Share your coolest mask designs. We will reward the best.
Maskarade kicks off “under the stars” this Friday, September 4, as part of Nyack’s safe haven event series. Safe havens are held on alternating Fridays, closing Main and Broadway from 5:00 pm to 11:00 pm to allow the public to enjoy pedestrian-friendly outdoor dining and shopping. The events also feature fine art exhibitions, live jazz, and acoustic folk and rock music performances.
Maskarade brings in yet another new element of safe fun. “Why not make lemonade from lemons?” asked Mayor Don Hammond. “We’re reopening our village, taking slow and deliberate steps to stay safe. But why not also have some fun?”
To show off their best masks and enter to win, contestants should look for stars displayed at participating Nyack establishments, designated as Maskarade selfie spots. Once ‘under a star,’ competing maskers should take a selfie, post it to their social media, and tag #NyackMaskarade and the participating Nyack business.
Adding to the ‘star’ opportunity, professional photographers will be snapping photos at selfie stations around the village.
Selfies will be welcome and compiled throughout September and October, culminating in a Red Carpet finale, to be held on Friday, October 30. The finale will include prizes for popular vote winners in categories for adults and children. Prizes will include free parking passes, great coupons from Nyack merchants and restaurants, and more.
In addition to the popular vote, special judges will be on hand for a live (safely distanced) Maskarade parade to select the top Red Carpet winners.
“Nyack proudly supports our unique shops, restaurants and arts organizations as we navigate the pandemic,” said Roger Cohen, President of the Nyack Chamber of Commerce. “Our safe haven events allow our businesses to expand their customer service footprint — safely,” Cohen added. “But Nyack is also a special place for creativity and just plain fun. That’s what Maskarade is all about. ”
Full Maskarade contest details are available on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/groups/954915874993251.
Parking is free in the evening, after 7pm, throughout Nyack — for shopping, dining, take-out pick-ups and Maskaraders — for the Safe Haven events. The next Save Haven Friday, and continuation of the Maskarade competition, will be September 18 (rain date September 25).
