[UPDATED] Based on the weather forecast, the fourth annual ‘Pink Party,’ benefitting Komen Connecticut, will be held in Blue Back Square on Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2015.

Panorama of Pink Party 2014. Photo courtesy of the Hartford Courant.

By Ronni Newton

Thousands of people will once again gather in a sea of pink in Blue Back Square on Thursday evening, kicking off Breast Cancer Awareness Month at a “party with a purpose.”

The free event will take place from 5 – 8 p.m. on Oct. 7.

The Pink Party is not only free, but it’s fun, and at the same time focuses on breast cancer awareness. Many exhibitors (click here for a complete list) will be handing out “pink” items and at the same time providing valuable health-related information. Entertainment will be provided by the Shaded Soul Band, and there will also be food and drink tastings as well as other giveaways and raffle prizes.

Liz Tyrol at the Survivor Fashion Show at Pink Party, 2014. Photo by Joy Taylor

The always-popular swag bags, full of items and coupons donated by local merchants, are back. The bags will be available beginning at 5 p.m. and sell for $20 each with all proceeds going to Komen Connecticut. A limited number of bags will be available, and each person can purchase a maximum of two bags.

A major highlight of the evening is the annual survivor fashion show. Thirty-four local women, all breast cancer survivors, will stroll the pink carpet modeling the latest fashions from local retailers, with hair and make-up styles provided by local salons that are donating their services. [Editor’s note: I am one of the survivor models and am thrilled to once again participate in this event.]

“Susan G. Komen Connecticut is committed to the local fight against breast cancer,” Gail Marcus, chair of Komen Connecticut Board of Directors and breast cancer survivor, said in a news release. “Pink Party is not only a great event that supports Komen Connecticut’s mission to save lives and end breast cancer forever, but it’s a fun evening celebrating survivors and honoring those we’ve sadly lost. It’s truly a family friendly event. I am especially touched by the outpouring of community support and grateful to The Hartford Courant, the businesses in Blue Back Square and the town of West Hartford, who give so much of their time and effort to put on this event,” Marcus said.

This year’s Pink Party is being hosted by the Hartford Courant, and premier sponsors also include Big Y, St. Francis Hospital and Medical Center, Nutmeg Ballet Conservatory, and Smilow Cancer Center at Yale-New Haven.

Free parking will be available in the West Hartford Town Hall parking lot, and paid parking is available in area garages and on the street.

According to the news release, 75 percent of Komen Connecticut’s net proceeds support local breast cancer programs across Connecticut and the remaining 25 percent is invested in research to find the causes and cures for the disease. For more information about Komen Connecticut’s mission and how to get involved, visit KomenCT.org.

For information about the Pink Party, visit www.pinkpartyct.com.

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