Eagle County Charter Academy to throw a Halloween Bash open to everyone

There are plenty of kids’ events being held for Halloween, but the Eagle County Charter Academy (ECCA) is making sure the adults don’t feel left out. The Halloween Bash is for anyone — parents of kids that go to ECCA, parents of kids who do not go to ECCA, empty nesters and those without kids. It’s just a fun occasion to dress up in costumes, dance the night away and have a fun evening out.

“The event committee at Eagle County Charter Academy brought back the Halloween Bash after COVID as a way to reconnect with our school families and the community while raising crucial funds for our teachers and staff,” said Katie Glasser, chairperson of the Halloween Bash. “The funds support teacher recruitment and retention, provide teacher accreditation and professional development opportunities, and help fund teaching assistants to maintain smaller class sizes and student-to-teacher ratios.”

Hosted at the Westin Riverfront Resort and Spa in Avon, the ECCA Halloween Bash is a great excuse to dress up and enjoy a fun night out with friends. Even before COVID, this party was known county-wide for decades as the event to attend if you like to dress up for Halloween.

“The costumes are unreal! People definitely understand the assignment. Some memorable costumes from past years include The Little Mermaid and King Triton, Alice in Wonderland, Peg Bundy and Pennywise. People really get into it, and the creativity is always impressive,” Glasser said.

An internet search for top costumes yielded plenty from the pop culture, movies and TV shows realm. This year you may find Nikki from the movie “Obsession” or Agamemnon from “Odyssey.” Also trending, Dolly Parton and Michael Jackson from his “Thriller” era. Speaking of eras, Eras Tour star Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce continue to be popular couple’s costumes. One search came up with food pairing costumes like chips and salsa, or a taco and lime.

Support Local Journalism

Donate

That food theme continues with dinner at the Westin ballroom during the event, which consists of a taco bar featuring chicken tinga, ground beef, sweet potato and black bean options, served on either tortillas or as a salad. Sides include elote corn, chips, guacamole and salsa. The ticket price also includes an alcoholic drink or mocktail. The night will be topped off with cupcakes from Cornerstone Chocolates.

“The party is going to be so fun with a costume contest, DJ Nevada spinning the tunes and everyone’s favorite announcer, Colin Meiring, who has worked with so many of our kids in this valley,” Glasser said.

The Westin is offering a special Halloween Bash rate of $139 per night, plus discounted parking and fees. Guests must call the hotel directly to book their reservation. Rates are subject to availability.

This event is a major fundraiser for Eagle County Charter Academy and its goal this year is $100,000.

“Since its inception, ECCA has been a strong supporter of alternative licensure pathways as a means of recruiting new educators into the profession,” Glasser said. “In the last five years alone, we have had six teaching assistants and two new hires pursue licensure through Colorado Mountain College and other programs throughout the state.

“A portion of the proceeds from ECCA’s Halloween Bash is dedicated to helping these licensure candidates offset some of the costs while providing additional on-site support from current and former staff members. As we continue to face hiring challenges in our valley, finding creative ways to support new teachers is a critical part of sustaining a culture of excellence. Fundraisers like the Halloween Bash help provide the additional resources needed to support our teachers and maintain the quality of education our students deserve.”  

To help raise necessary funds, a silent auction is now online with all types of items to bid on.

“Our generous community has really come through with some fantastic auction items. A few of my favorites include a Cast & Blast at the Vail Rod & Gun Club, a Scottsdale getaway to the JW Marriott Camelback Inn, a private movie screening at Riverwalk Theater, earrings from The Golden Bear, and a two-hour floral design class with Rose Petals,” Glasser said. “The most unique auction item is definitely a crab apple tree from Moonscape Landscape & Designs. Of course, there are also lots of great gift cards to our favorite restaurants, spas, liquor stores, hotels, golf and more.”

Some items are specific to the school. Want to ski with second-grade teachers Mrs. Borgerson and Mrs. Place? Or shred the mountain with snowboarding teacher, Mr. Harris? Want to be principal for the day? Those items and other fun school-based experiences are up for auction.

“Colorado currently ranks 43rd in the nation for K–12 school funding. State funding doesn’t come close to covering what our teachers deserve or the financial support our schools require. Like so many public schools, ECCA has faced significant budget cuts,” Glasser said. “Eagle County School District is already feeling the impact of inadequate school funding. This past spring, the district cut more than $4 million and eliminated approximately 60 positions for the 2026–2027 school year, resulting in reductions in programming and electives for students, along with additional challenges in recruiting and retaining necessary staff.”

Party for a fun cause on Friday night. Or, check out the auction and bid from afar if you can’t make the event.

“We’d just love to encourage everyone in the community to come out and join us,” Glasser said. “It’s a great excuse for an adults-only night out during the quieter fall season, and a fun way to celebrate Halloween. Guests love the dance floor!”