HAPPENING SATURDAY: Rotary’s Dead Parrots Society Bash set for Oct. 22

MADISON – After its debut in 2021, the Dead Parrots Society Bash will resurrect for another evening of masquerade, good times and, most importantly, a venue to raise funds for projects by Rotary Club of Madison.

“The community’s support for our Dead Parrots Society Bash is key to enabling our club to continue a 23-year tradition of providing charitable services both locally and internationally,” Rotarian and Event Chair Larry Smith said.

“The bash will be a great opportunity for fun, food and entertainment . . . but also a chance to learn more about Rotary and how we’re serving the community and impacting people’s lives for the better,” Smith said.

Dead Parrots Society Bash on Oct. 22 will start with festivities at 6 p.m. and continue until 11 p.m. at NOW Soccer Academy at 147 Westchester Drive, Bldg. E in Madison. To reach Westchester Drive, drive west on Madison Boulevard just west of Old Time Pottery. Turn right (north) on Westchester Drive to reach NOW Soccer.

The Rotarians are encouraging all partygoers to dress in their favorite Halloween costume for the party. Dead Parrots Society Bash will be held indoors at the soccer academy.

To set the tone with upbeat music, a deejay will spin tunes for dancing and relaxing. Three food trucks will park just outside a bay door for convenient access to tempting treats and snacks. Enjoy a drink from the bar, and be sure to try a signature cocktail.

Party guests can bid on a range of gift baskets that will be up for auction. Baskets at previous parties have included “Hole in One” with golf supplies; “Sweet Home Alabama” with namesake merchandise giving a nod to the state and “Happy Holidays” with Christmas decor for the home, among many others.

The “Best Costume” honors will be up for grabs for the partygoer with the most impressive getup or maybe a clever play-on-words gimmick. A prize awaits the overall favorite idea.

“The event is being conducted as a fundraiser for the Rotary Club of Madison,” Smith said. “Proceeds will go to the Rotary Club of Madison Foundation to support our club’s local and international charitable projects.”

Diverse projects that Madison Rotarians have completed include building ramps for individuals with a handicap, providing Thanksgiving baskets for local underprivileged families, hosting special events at Madison Senior Center and building elementary schools in impoverished communities in Honduras, Smith said.

The phrase “Dead Parrots Society” has several possible origins. One option is a take-off from the movie, “Dead Poets Society.” Robin Williams won the “Best Actor” Oscar as an extraordinary literature professor at a boys’ boarding school.

The event is open to anyone at least 21 years old. Identification will be required.

Advance tickets are $25, or pay $30 at the event. For tickets, visit Eventbrite.com and search for “Dead Parrots.”

For more information, visit madisonalrotary.org or parrots.madisonalrotary.org.