2009 Yule Ball
What is this Mistletoe Masquerade thing-a-ma-jig?
A wizard rock Yule Ball to benefit The Harry Potter Alliance.
Why “Mistletoe”?
Mistletoe and Owls:
Once considered a parasite, mistletoe was recently recognized as a keystone species, an organism that has a disproportionately pervasive influence over its community…
…just like The Harry Potter Alliance aspires to be a keystone organization, having a pervasive influence for good over our communities and our world.
The dense evergreen witches’ brooms formed by the dwarf mistletoes of western North America also make excellent nesting locations for the Northern Spotted Owl…
…making mistletoe the natural choice for an O.W.L. emblem!
Mistletoe and Oklahoma:
Mistletoe was adopted as the Official Floral Emblem of Oklahoma in 1893. Oklahoma was not yet a state and wouldn’t be for another fourteen years, but Oklahomans wanted to show they were serious about statehood.
Supposedly, mistletoe was used to decorate the graves of early settlers when no other flowers were available. The color of the evergreen mistletoe throughout the winter symbolizes the perseverance of early settlers.
Mistletoe and Kissing:
Who wouldn’t want to snag a kiss under the mistletoe? Opportunities will abound at the Mistletoe Masquerade!
Why “Masquerade”?
Because we like alliteration. We’re English nerds, after all. 
Feel free to wear a mask, if that’s your thing. If not, that’s cool, too.