FAQ
For The Avalon Ball 2008
Something came up, may I have a refund?
How do I book my ferry tickets?
What should I wear? Do I have to wear vintage?
Where do I check in for the ball?
Is there somewhere on the island where I can change my clothes?
Where can I put my stuff while dancing?
Will you be observing line of dance?
May I bring my camera and take photographs?
Want to make a day of it. What else can I do while in Avalon?
I don't want to walk back to the terminal in my dancing shoes (it's about a ten minute walk). What are my alternatives?
I had a great time at the 2008 Avalon Ball, when can I buy tickets for 2009?
SOMETHING CAME UP, MAY I HAVE A REFUND?
Please note that all ticket sales are final. We are a non-profit 501c3 organization and the Avalon Ball is our major fundraiser for the year. This event helps support our ongoing preservation efforts in and around the Los Angeles area. The ADSLA policy is that for this particular fundraiser, we cannot offer refunds or accept cancellations, as we have already turned people away because of the spot you were taking. You are, however, free to sell or give your ticket to someone else, though we will not serve as an agent or go-between to help you do it. If we sell out (and we have the last three years), please note that we do not maintain a waiting list, and based on the difficulty getting over to Avalon, we discourage people coming to the door hoping to take advantage of a last minute cancellation.
HOW DO I BOOK MY FERRY TICKETS?
Ferry tickets may be booked by calling Catalina Express at 1-800-481-3470 or http://www.catalinaexpress.com/scheduleFaresLanding.php. If you are returning on the special Avalon Ball 11:00 p.m. return ferry, please make sure you book your tickets from the Long Beach Catalina Landing.
The Catalina Chamber of Commerce's Hotel profile page will tell you which hotels offer weekend packages (see link). Please be aware that most Catalina hotels will only book a two-night minimum stay. http://www.catalinachamber.com/pdf/HotelProfile.pdf
WHAT SHOULD I WEAR? DO I HAVE TO WEAR VINTAGE?
Vintage or vintage inspired clothing is encouraged and admired, but certainly not required. We wish to emphasize that you should wear what makes you feel good.
For women we recommend vintage or modern cocktail or full-length dresses.
For men we recommend vintage or modern white tie and tails, tuxedo, white dinner jacket or suit.
For everyone we recommend comfortable dance shoes.
WHERE DO I CHECK IN FOR THE BALL?
Check-in for the ball will be between 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. at “Via Casino” Archway, which is in town, on the way to the Casino. It is after the roundabout and Antonio's Restaurant and before the Yacht Club. It is the only archway on the sidewalk. Once you check in, you can go have dinner or explore Avalon and go to the Casino at 6:00 p.m.
IS THERE SOMEWHERE ON THE ISLAND WHERE I CAN CHANGE MY CLOTHES?
On the second floor of the casino, there is a large ladies’ lounge and a small men’s lounge. Please note no one will be allowed into the building until 6:00 p.m. For the ladies’ lounge, please keep in mind that the lighting is not conducive for putting on makeup. There are a limited number of electric plugs for curling irons and such. If you want to change earlier, you may use a public restroom on the island.
WHERE CAN I PUT MY STUFF WHILE DANCING?
There is a complimentary coat check on the second floor of the casino. We encourage you to check all of your bags (except small purses and cameras).
We do not serve food at the ball. We recommend that you patronize one of the many restaurants in Avalon before the ball. They range from fast food stands to elegant sit-down restaurants. Or you can pack and bring your own picnic. Food is not allowed in the Casino. For restaurant info, go to http://www.catalinachamber.com/dining/index.asp
Yes, there is a full cash bar. Complimentary water will be available, as well.
While we have no minimum age, we do not encourage children to attend, and any who do must pay the full ticket price and comport themselves as adults. It is the parents’ responsibility to watch them.
Tables may not be reserved. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. We encourage guests to share tables and socialize. The dance floor is reserved for dancing.
The dance floor may be either very slippery or very sticky. Unfortunately, we have no control over it. We recommend that you bring dance shoes that will work on either type of surface.
WILL YOU BE OBSERVING LINE OF DANCE?
A resounding Yes! We request that swing and other dancers who are doing spot dances gravitate towards the middle of the dance floor so that those doing traveling dances may move freely in a counter-clockwise direction around the dance floor.
The program will include a mix of foxtrots, swing, Balboa, Charleston, Waltz and tango.
No, many non-dancers attend to enjoy the atmosphere and socialize.
MAY I BRING MY CAMERA AND TAKE PHOTOGRAPHS?
Cameras are allowed and encouraged. We hope you share your photos with us!
No, you don't need to bring a partner or a date. Lots of people come stag. As usual with such events, there tend to be few more women than men, so ladies would be well advised not to wait to be asked, but to feel free to ask gentlemen to dance.
I WANT TO SPEND THE DAY AT CATALINA. IS THERE SOMEWHERE I CAN PUT MY EVENINGWEAR WHILE I EXPLORE THE ISLAND?
Yes, there is a luggage check at the Catalina Express terminal. The cost is from $3 to $8 a bag.
I WANT TO MAKE A DAY OF IT. WHAT ELSE CAN I DO WHILE IN AVALON?
At 1:00 p.m. on May 17th, please join the Catalina Island Museum for their 21st Annual Silent Film Benefit In the historic Avalon Theatre with accompaniment by Robert D. Salisbury on the Page Theater Organ. This year the featured film is full of glorious Art Deco sets - - METROPOLIS by Fritz Lang, 1927. Tickets for the film are $15 or $13 for Museum members. Information and film tickets available at the Catalina Island Museum website at http://www.catalinamuseum.org/calendar.html
For other activities, go to: http://www.catalinachamber.com/seedo/index.asp
I DON'T WANT TO WALK BACK TO THE TERMINAL IN MY DANCING SHOES (IT'S ABOUT A TEN MINUTE WALK). WHAT ARE MY ALTERNATIVES?
A cab ride from the Casino to the ferry terminal costs around $8.Catalina Cab Co. Phone 310-510-0025 (most cell phones work on Catalina--check with your cell provider to confirm).
I HAD A GREAT TIME AT THE 2008 AVALON BALL, WHEN CAN I BUY TICKETS FOR 2009?
Special discounted tickets to the 2009 Avalon Ball will be available at the dance.
SEE YOU ON THE ISLAND!