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JONATHAN MILTONSo long, suds. After 14 years of soapy parties, Masquerade nightclub cleans up its act for a more sophisticated scene.
It was a warm Saturday, about 10 p.m., when a flock of excited partiers flooded the Masquerade nightclub to take part in the "Last Foam Party Ever."
It was the foam finale before the club installs wood floors as part of a remodeling project to turn Masquerade into an upscale music venue for people of all ages and tastes.
"It's a very sad day for foam parties," said Jessica Tunnis, an employee at Kicks adult clothing and accessories store across from Masquerade on Seventh Avenue. "I never got to go to one. I've heard they're incredible and fun."
Masquerade started foam parties 14 years ago, attracting crowds from all over the United States.
"It's the most phone calls we get," said Barbara Walle, a daytime manager. "People ask when the next foam party will be and plan their trips based on the parties."
Masquerade is one of the few, if only, Ybor clubs to hold foam parties on a regular basis. Keen observers often saw wet, foam-covered people wandering along Seventh late at night.
"It's a lot of fun," said Thomas DeGeorge, a night manager. "We try to offer a variety of things."
About 400 people, mostly 20-somethings, turned out Saturday for the last hurrah. For $10, they wallowed in a 4-foot-tall pool of suds blasted from a foam-making machine.
Clubgoers tossed beach balls as music blared in the background. They ran in circles diving into the foam and screaming with delight. Outside, a river of suds streamed out the back door.
The professional foam fanatics wear flip flops, bikinis and shorts, said Noah Greene, owner of the Hot Wax music store on Seventh. On his first time, he made the mistake of wearing new shoes and nice club clothes.
But he's not complaining. He'll miss Masquerade sans the suds.
"I think it's no fun," he said. "Unfortunately the scene is changing."
Masquerade managers admit the parties, while successful, had run their course.
"Over time, it loses luster," DeGeorge said. "We wanted to give it its last goodbye."
- Jonathan Milton can be reached at 226-3321 or at milton@sptimes.com