Oct. 13, 2023 By Iryna Shkurhan
The annual “Monster Mash” at St. Mary’s Hospital is making a return this Sunday, Oct. 15 and bringing a range of spooktastic fall activities to Bayside.
While the event is open to the whole community, it is a chance for some of St. Mary’s long term patients to experience joyful fall festivities close by. Last year, mascots from the New York Islanders, the New York Mets and the FDNY posed for photo-ops with kids decked out in costumes. This year, Mr. Met is set to make another appearance.
Siren, the FDNY’s mascot, gave a St. Mary’s patient a high-five. Photo by Gabriele Holtermann
Sunday’s outdoor event will feature food, games, a costume contest, parade and face painting. Kids will be able to “trunk or treat” out of a range of spookily decorated car trunks ahead of Halloween. And jazz fans can also enjoy a live performance from the NYPD’s jazz band.
While the event is free to attend, all proceeds will go towards programs and services at St. Mary’s Healthcare System for Children, which cares for many children with complex and chronic medical issues. Last year they raised over $30,000 and this year they are on track to surpass that.
Various small animals from Alley Pond will be brought over to interact with the kids. Photo by Gabriele Holtermann
Raffle tickets will be sold at the event for the chance to win tickets to see Disney on Ice or the Islanders, signed memorabilia and a Yeti Cooler, among other prizes.
Last year’s Monster Mash returned to the hospital’s parking lot after a pandemic hiatus, and drew over 200 attendees. Unique fall activities that were popular last year, such as the inflatable corn maze that children can walk through and animals from Alley Pond Environmental Center will be back.
Don’t forget your costume for this year’s Monster Mash. Photo by Gabriele Holtermann
The event will take place at St. Mary’s Hospital for Children at 29-01 216th St. in Bayside. It will run from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. rain or shine.