The 23rd Annual Mad Hatter Ball – 2025: A Space Oddity
A Cosmic Celebration of Art, Imagination, and Whimsy
On Saturday, October 17th, the 23rd Annual Mad Hatter Ball lifted off at the Historic 1886 Crescent Hotel, and this year, ESSA’s signature gala truly went where no party had gone before… into the stars! With the theme “2025: A Space Oddity,” guests arrived ready to embark on a cosmic adventure, blending creativity, style, and a touch of interstellar mischief, all in support of the Eureka Springs School of the Arts.
A Sunset Soiree in the Conservatory
Guests began their evening with a cocktail party in the Crescent Conservatory where they perused an extraordinary selection of online auction items. As the sun sank behind the horizon, its warm glow bathed the Conservatory in golden light, setting the perfect backdrop for mingling and marveling at the night’s celestial theme.
ESSA Executive Director Kelly McDonough welcomed everyone and extended heartfelt thanks to the Mad Hatter Ball sponsors for their generous support, reminding guests how vital events like this are in sustaining ESSA’s mission to inspire creativity, nurture artists, and make the arts accessible to all.
Dinner Among the Stars
After cocktails, guests floated into the Crescent Hotel ballroom for a delicious pasta dinner, savoring both the meal and the lively atmosphere. It was the perfect calm before the cosmic storm of energy that was about to follow: with dancing beats and dazzling hats, the night promised to be out-of-this-world.
Hats, Conga Lines, and Galactic Fun
A highlight of the evening was the Hat Contest, where participants, individuals, and groups alike strutted their celestial creations onstage, vying for the crowd’s votes. DJ Testube kept the energy electric, and the hat contest parade had everyone smiling, laughing, and joining the conga line through the Crescent Hotel lobby, led with flair by Spirit Ambassador Valerie Damon. From glittering galaxies to playful alien designs, the creativity on display was truly cosmic.
From whimsical aliens to glittering constellations, the hats weren’t just accessories; they were stars of the night!
And the Hat Contest Winners Are....
A Night That Lifts the Arts
The Mad Hatter Ball is more than a party; it’s ESSA’s most important fundraiser, supporting workshops, artist residencies, and outreach programs that inspire creativity in our community. By attending and participating, guests directly help ESSA continue its mission to make the arts accessible, nurture emerging talent, and connect people through art. This year’s online auction featured more than 120 incredible items, from art and jewelry to unique experiences, and generosity shone as brightly as the stars.
A cosmic handful of some of the amazing items in this year’s auction
Galactic Gratitude
A heartfelt thank-you goes to our Mad Hatter Ball 2025 sponsors, whose support made this stellar night possible:
Kaleidokites, CS Bank, Leroy and Sally Gorrell, Faith Reinvented, Mary Springer, Sugar & Spite, Alpine Liquor, Jean Elderwind and Doug Stowe, Carroll County Broadcasting, and DJ Testube.
As ESSA’s Executive Director, Kelly McDonough, shared:
“Every year, the Mad Hatter Ball reminds us that creativity has no limits, and neither does this community’s support. ‘A Space Oddity’ took us all to new heights.”
Until the Next Orbit
As the last notes faded and guests danced beneath the twinkling lights, one thing was clear: the 2025 Mad Hatter Ball was a night to remember. Laughter, glitter, cosmic hats, and boundless imagination collided in the best possible way, reminding everyone that when art and community come together, the universe itself seems a little brighter.
Thank you from the staff of the Eureka Springs School of the Arts for making this year’s Mad Hatter Ball truly out of this world.
Media Inquiries
If you’re a member of the media and would like to learn more about the Eureka Springs School of the Arts, our events, or the impact of our arts education initiatives, ESSA is happy to share additional information and images.
Please feel free to reach out:
Chrissie Heavenridge
Email: marketing@essa-art.org
Phone: (479) 253-5384
Website: essa-art.org
Thank you for helping us share the story of how community support is shaping the future of the arts.
