A Family Tradition
Creativity
Every year, our attendees share their creativity by choosing to either dovetail off of the ball's theme for the year, or come up with their own personal theme and run with it! From the adventurous solo, to the innovative family, the imaginations of our masqueraders is a sight to behold. With prizes for mask creation, couples' theme coordination, personal style, and more, you've got plenty of motivation to show us what you got!
Contra Dance
The Merrick Masquerade Ball isn't just a "dance". It's Contra Dance! Contra Dances hale from many parts of the world and are derived from folk dances. Not a contra dancer? Don't worry 'bout it! Attendees get the chance to learn the dances at scheduled dance practices leading up to the ball. At dance practice, we revisit dances we've done in the past, and add a couple of new ones each year.
Shenanigans
Along with dances, prizes, and general merriment, we play some pretty silly games through the night as well. The Balloon Waltz, the Broom Dance, seeking hidden treasures...this night is full of fun!
This Year’s Ball
Merrick Masquerade Ball 2026 will be held October 10 at Oklahoma Christian University's Meinders Conference Center in Edmond, Oklahoma.
This year’s ball ticket sales will go live on July 13 at noon. Tickets go fast and are limited to 250 attendees! Set a reminder and meet us back here July 13th to secure your tickets.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the ball this year? This year’s ball will be held on Saturday, October 10 from 5:30-9:30pm. Doors will open at 5:00
When will tickets be available? Tickets will go on sale at NOON on July 13 and are $50 If you are not already on our email list, please subscribe at the bottom of our contact page so you can receive updates!
How old do I have to be to attend the ball? The Merrick Masquerade Ball is open to participants ages 13-113.
How is the Merrick Masquerade Ball different from the world’s dances or proms? The Merrick Masquerade Ball differs from conventional dances and “proms” in so many ways, that there’s hardly a comparison. Some points to consider: 1) While a prom is open to only high school teens, our ball is open to anyone age 13 and up, and we encourage families to make a night of it and enjoy the ball together! 2) The dancing is almost all contra dance with some waltzes and polkas in there too. 3) The music we use is beautiful, often folk music, and will never contain foul language or evil content. 4) As with any work of our hands, we put ourselves into it as work done “unto the lord, and not unto men”. To that end, everyone involved in the event endeavors to present themselves decently, respectfully, and joyfully.
What if I don’t know how to dance? Never fear! This is the perfect opportunity to learn! Leading up to the ball each year, we host 3-4 workshops where we will teach all of the dances for the evening. Many of our attendees are at least somewhat familiar with or have a bit of experience with contra dance, and are ready to help newbies along. For those familiar with contra dance, this may be a lot of review, but we introduce a new dance or two each year, so there’s always something new to experience!
Are there chaperones at this event? We do not have chaperones at this event, but rather, host couples ready and willing to assist with anything that may arise, from wardrobe malfunctions to stubbed toes. If you feel uncomfortable with your child attending an un-chaperoned event, we heartily invite you to participate along with them, or purchase Parents’ Lounge tickets so you’ll be close by.
May parents stay and watch? All parents are welcome to stay through the Grand Entrance for pictures. After that, only ball ticket holders (ages 13-113!) or “Parents’ Lounge” ticket holders will be allowed to stay. ALL Masquerade Ball ticket holders must adhere to the dress code for the evening. Those planning to stay and enjoy the Parents’ Lounge need not dress up, but will be asked to keep themselves in the Parents’ Lounge. We will provide snacks, treats, drinks, card games, and a special movie in a room adjoining the ballroom for participating Parents’ Lounge parents. Seats are limited, and tickets can be purchased on our tickets page.
What is the dress code? The Merrick Masquerade Ball is a formal event, so formal attire is required. For the ladies, this means ankle or floor-length formal gowns. Any slits in the gown cannot rise past the knee, and necklines must remain modest. (we will respect what each family deems to be modest but at minimum, plunge necklines are not allowed.) For the gentlemen, a suit and tie or tuxedo is required. This is not a jeans and t-shirt event. In addition, all participants must have a mask! This is not because we don’t want to see your face, but because we DO want to see your creativity and this is, after all, a masquerade! You are NOT required to wear your mask for the whole event. What is a “theme”? A theme, specifically referring to our annual ball theme (this year is “Riches”) serves as a guidepost for our decoration and refreshment choices, influences the games and prizes we introduce each year, and inspires ideas for attendees’ personal themes. A personal theme is the concept that each individual, group, couple, or family selects for the evening. This theme will inform your attire and mask for the event, and it also allows you to participate in our contests! Judges will assess the themes across various categories and award prizes to their top selections. **Please note that your theme does NOT have to correspond to the ball’s overall theme, but you are more than welcome to take our theme and run with it!
When/where will Dance Workshops be held? The workshop schedule is TBD and will be emailed to ticket holders.