The Chautauqua County Humane Society will be hosting a magical evening of adventure and fun at Wicked Warrens.

The event will be called the Meowsquerade Ball and will contain a night of theater as well as a dinner. The event will be a black-cat themed masquerade ball and will focus on the humane society’s goal of aiding the animals of the community.

The performance will feature a bumbling magician who is attempting to bring his cats to the Humane Society to be spayed or neutered. Due to the clumsy nature of this magician, the cats become lost in his attempts to transport them. It will be up to members of the crowd to help the foolish magician round up his missing cats. These cats were personally crocheted by the wife and daughter of Brian Papalia, Chautauqua County Humane Society director of fundraising and communication. Papalia said the cats will be door prizes with 13 fortunate guests, who will have the opportunity to take one home. This adventure will be preceded by an elegant dinner and cocktails. Following the search for the missing cats, the ball will begin and will feature dancing, music, and celebration.

Papalia mentioned a couple goals the Humane Society has with the event. The first wish is to bring in further funding for the society’s low-cost spay and neuter program, according to Papalia. The program provides vaccination and neutering services for cats in hopes of reducing unwanted pets and promoting responsible pet ownership. Papalia noted the importance of this program in assisting to control the cat population in the county. The other goal Papalia mentioned is to bring more attention to the program, or general services. The event will attempt to educate people through a fun and engaging activity.

“It’s just a fun way to kind of get people hooked in a little more to learn more about it. To understand, you know, why it’s need and how it functions a little more,” said Papalia.

This will be the first instance of this event, noted Papalia. With the CCHS reaching its 120th anniversary this year, Papalia noted the want to host something unique that would pull in public attention. Papalia mentioned that, upon coming up with the idea for a meowsquerade ball, there was little other mention of any similar events online. Furthermore, Papalia noted being unable to find any instances of other performances based on pet spay and neutering. This would suggest a first of its kind event, a unique way to draw in interest and public attention.

Papalia gave thanks to the volunteer work and individuals working with the crew of actors. Papalia noted the support of local performer Noah Goodling, Alyssa Porter, Brandon Sublet, event DJ and actor Paul Clemente, and animal medium Carrie Everett. Papalia also noted the roughly 70 volunteers actively working to make this event possible.

The event will take place on Oct. 25, from 6 to 10 p.m. at Wicked Warren’s. The event is a masquerade ball and therefore requires formalwear and mask. Masks will be provided to those who do not have one. For more information contact 716-665-2209.