The Fifth Annual Pink Party, benefitting Komen Southern New England, will be held in West Hartford’s Blue Back Square on Thursday, Oct. 6, 2016.

The Pink Party will be held in West Hartford’s Blue Back Square on Thursday, Oct. 6. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

By Ronni Newton

Thousands of people will “pink out” in West Hartford Thursday night to officially kick off Breast Cancer Awareness month at a “party with a purpose.”

The annual Pink Party, a free event sponsored by the Hartford Courant and Blue Back Square, will be held from 5-8 p.m. on Oct 6.

The Pink Party is free and open to the public, and it’s also fun while at the same time focusing on breast cancer awareness. Many exhibitors (click here for a complete list) will be handing out “pink” items as well as 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, the Jean Machine, face painting, hair extensions, pink carpet photos, and raffle prizes.

Breast cancer survivors participate in an annual fashion show in 2015 as part of the Pink Party in Blue Back Square. (Ronni Newton Facebook photo)

Thirty local breast cancer survivors will appear in the evening’s highlighted activity: strolling the pink carpet in a fashion show featuring the latest clothing and accessories from area retailers, with hair and make-up styles donated by local salons. Several survivors will also participate in a dance performance sponsored by Arthur Murray Dance Center. [Editor’s note: I am one of the survivor models and a dance exhibitor, and am thrilled to participate in this event for the fourth time.]

Swag bags, full of items and coupons donated by local merchants, will once again be a hot commodity. The bags will be available beginning at 5 p.m. and sell for $20 each with all proceeds going to Komen Southern New England. A limited number of bags will be available, and each person can purchase a maximum of two bags.

“We are thankful to The Hartford Courant, Blue Back Square, its businesses, and the town of West Hartford for demonstrating their commitment to the local fight against breast cancer,” Lori van Dam, CEO of Komen Southern New England, said in a news release. “Pink Party is a fun evening that has raised a great deal of funds to support our mission to save lives and end breast cancer forever, and many of our neighbors will benefit from these funds.”

According to the news release, 75 percent of Komen Southern New England’s net proceeds support local breast cancer programs including education, screening, and treatment across the region, and the remaining 25 percent is invested in research to find the causes and cures for the disease. For more information about Komen Southern New England’s mission and how to get involved, visit KomenSouthernNewEngland.org.

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. The rain date for the event is Friday, Oct. 7.

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

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