Taking to the stage as host was Gravely McCabre, an underworld MC who hosts a television show in the US. His appearance was a shock and a disappointment to the crowd who've come to love Gord Rose, who has hosted the event since it began. 

 

 

 

Thankfully it turned out to be a ruse. The stage ninjas who operate the show behind-the-scenes brought out a coffin and the real host, Gord Rose, popped out to ecstatic cheers. Gord is a thrill to watch, a quick-witted master of improv who knows how to connect with the crowds, maintain control of the show, and keep it entertaining and fresh, an astounding task considering how long the event runs and the two decades he's been hosting them. He sang humourous songs, played along with gags from his helper Holly (who wears a bunny on her head) and displayed a great respect for all involved. 

 

 

A special year for Gord, the staff surprised him by bringing out a cake (from the video game Portal, complete with the song "I'm Still Alive") as the 50th entry in the night. A dancer popped out as the staff rolled out a banner to celebrate his fiftieth birthday while the audience joined in to sing him a Happy Birthday. "The cake is a lie" they told him as they gave him hugs. 

 

 

It was a testimony to Gord's ability to make the Expo's annual event one that is accessible to all ages. Each year the costumers writer their scripts with little moments involving Gord in mind, many of them create special props for him, such as one performer this year who made a little voodoo doll in his image.

 

At one point Gord polled the audience, asking them how many were born before 1989, and then how many after and the mix was about 40-60. 1989, he explained was the first year he hosted and mused that most of the crowd wasn't even born then. "We I was a kid, CDs were just two letters in the alphabet" he quipped.

 

The Masquerade itself is a casual competition. Performers are divided into categories based on experience; novice, journeyman, artisan, and masters. There are judges, who will be announcing winners at noon on Sunday, but for the most part it's a social gathering, one where the costumers can jump on stage to perform fun skits, make in-jokes about their favorite shows or movies, and illicit cheers and hoots from the crowd. 

 

This year there were seventy-three groups who signed up for the night, spanning ages young and old, with costume designs of characters both popular and original. I did my best to take a photo of each, but with lighting conditions as they are, missed a few. Enjoy.