On Nov. 2, students flocked to the Natali Performance Center, illuminated by a purple glow and adorned with spider webs and caution tape at the entrance, for one final Halloween celebration.  PennWest California’s Vulcan Gaming Club collaborated with the Student Activities Board (SAB) and several other clubs to hold their second annual Monster Mash, a night of Halloween-themed festivities, food and performances.

At 6 p.m., a large crowd of students piled in, many donning costumes. They were greeted with vibrant tables, as members from several clubs gave out candy and Halloween themed treats.  Students were seen bobbing their heads to Broom the Band, a regular performer at PennWest, as they covered many rock classics from bands like Green Day and 3 Doors Down. Outside the Performance Center, students were able to snap pictures in their costumes in a photo booth, play horror-themed virtual reality games, and paint pumpkins with the Cal U Art Club. Students were even able to take a trip down a haunted hallway.

“Our goal was to outperform ourselves from the first year of hosting Monster Mash,” said Vulcan Gaming Club Treasurer, Victor Nelson. “We really took deep consideration of our feedback last year to make sure this was the best event of the semester.”

The Cosplay Club hosted a costume contest, as students walked the stage and flaunted their costumes for a chance to win an Amazon giftcard. Among a variety of extravagant costumes, Destiny Fawley took home the prize dressed as Glados from the game series Portal.

“My favorite part about Monster Mash was definitely the costume contest,” said Nelson. “I love getting to see everyone in their costumes and people express themselves creatively.”

Later, students watched a performance by the Chuckle Club hosted by University Players.  Students then spent the final hours of the event dancing the night away to music provided by WCAL and mingling in and around the Performance Center.

Students can expect the Monster Mash to return for its third year in 2024.