'Stars are the limit' in contest
MARS — A new and improved costume contest with significant cash prizes in various categories will be one stellar feature of the 2017 Mars New Year, to be held May 4, 5 and 6 in downtown Mars.
John Watson of the Mars Kiwanis said the contest will offer a total of $1,200 in prize money to the most creative costumes in the categories of most unique or original, most humorous, best alien and best overall.
He said the top prize winner in each of the three main categories will receive a $75 prize, and the second-place winners will get $50. The contestants will be split into three age groups: 10 and under, 11 to 18 and 19 to 134, Watson said with a grin.
The top two prizes will be awarded in each age group, he said.
The best overall costume will receive a $75 prize.
A panel of local celebrities will be the judges.
Watson said at the 2015 Mars New Year, only $320 in prize money was awarded.
“This year, the stars are the limit,” he said.
Watson said the contestants will walk across the stage at Pittsburgh and Grant streets in their respective age groups as the judges look them over.
The contest content will serve as a lighthearted aspect of the science-themed event, which will include educational and space-related presentations and activities provided by experts.
“It's a technology-themed event, and this lightens it up,” Watson said.
He encouraged those interested in space exploration to test their imaginations regarding possible life forms that could exist in the outer reaches of space.
“Who knows what life we might come across in space,” Watson said, “so it's an imagination thing.”
But Watson said the contest is not designated as space-themed, and any and all costumes will be welcomed.
He said the costume contest at the 2015 Mars New Year drew about 40 people, and winners included a father-and-son astronaut team, an alien werewolf and babies dressed as aliens.
“The crowd really seems to enjoy it,” Watson said. “How often do you see a costume contest?”
Watson, who also is the President of the Mars History and Landmark Society, said that organization will have its small-gauge train ride available at the Mars New Year.
The small train can carry about eight people on a four-minute ride around the society's property at Irvine Street and Brickyard Road. Donations will be accepted for the ride.
He said the other society buildings will also be open to those attending the Mars New Year.
