Halloween festivities will continue into tonight with the Pan-American Student Association's annual Halloween party.

Attendees will be able to dance to Latin and other types of dance music, said Alejandro Mier, president of PANAM. A costume contest is also on the agenda for the night. The party will be held at Coach's from 10:30 p.m. until 2 a.m.

"You don't have to dress up to come to the party, but cash prizes will be awarded to the winners of the costume contest," Mier said. "During the party, we will stop the music and ask the contestants to come to the front. The winners will be chosen based on who gets the most applause from the crowd."

Last year's party was a big success, said Mayra Olivares, public relations co-chairwoman for PANAM. A lot of people participated in the costume contest, but the cash prize went to a couple who were dressed in Roman outfits to look like Caesar and his wife.

One of the great things about the party is the diversity of the people who attend, said Michelle Rodriguez, vice president of PANAM.

"People from a lot of different countries come to the party," Rodriguez said. "The party is very diverse and that is a good thing. It makes you feel very comfortable."

Mier began his membership in PANAM by attending the Halloween party.

"The Halloween party gave me the opportunity to meet people from PANAM, and from there I was able to get involved," Mier said. "Latin Americans have different celebrations for Halloween. Since we are in America, the party gives us a chance to celebrate Halloween in a different way."

Olivares said that for her, PANAM is like a family, and the party is a nice way to relax with friends.

"PANAM is like a home away from home for me," she said. "It gives me an opportunity to use my Spanish and to be in my comfort zone while speaking my native language. It has also given me an opportunity to have a leadership role on campus."

Hispanic college students from other colleges will be attending the party as well, Olivares said.

"There is a huge connection with Latin American communities," she said. "The party is also a way for us to get together with our friends who go to other schools."

The biggest surprise of the night will involve the costume contest because no one wanted to reveal what they would be wearing.

"Everyone's excited wondering who is going to wear what," Mier said.

Regardless of what everyone wears, the party is bound to be a huge success, Rodriguez said.

"We have put up a lot of fliers advertising the party," she said. "I think a lot of people will be there."

DETAILS

Event:

PANAM Halloween party and costume contest

When:

10:30 p.m. - 2 a.m. tonight

Where:

Coach's
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