history of the children’s masquerade

The Masquerade has been held annually in August for over a hundred years. In early times, the event was composed of three competitions: an adult “Masquerade Dance”, decorated boats called the “Illuminated Flotilla” and a children’s party. The adult component was an important event on the summer social calendar.

The Masquerade was always profitable for the Stony Lake Cottagers’ Association. The 1909 financial statement shows that the Masquerade prizes for that year costed only $2.05 and the event earned $21.60. In its heyday from the early 1920’s to WWII, the Ston(e)y Lake Aquatic Association ran the event. Their records list the adult winners, their prizes and often the cost of these prizes.

Prizes were generous and included such things as a silk parasol, electric lantern, cigarette case and powder jar. Costumes were usually taken from literature (i.e., Uncle Tom’s Cabin), popular culture (i.e., Felix the Cat), and cottage items (i.e., a spark plug). Group themes (i.e., orphanage girls) were also popular.

Most Ston(e)y activities were discontinued during WWI. The Masquerade was restarted by the Ladies Pavillion Committee as a children’s event only in 1928. The “Masquerade Party” was billed for “the 12 and unders” and often included a puppet show, magician and fishpond. The awarding of prizes in several categories was replaced by giving each child a party favour, balloon, ice cream, candy and a participant’s ribbon. 

-written by Juniper archivist & historian Sue Dutton