• The event is for adults only.

Adults in Star Valley are invited to Gather’s Dia de Los Muertos (Day of the Dead) Celebration on Saturday, November 2 from 7-10 p.m. at Star of 89 in Afton. Guests are encouraged to dress up, paint their faces, and come out for a festive evening of music, dancing, food and fun.

According to history.com, El Dia de Los Muertos is a “Mexican holiday where families welcome back the souls of their deceased relatives for a brief reunion that includes food, drink and celebration.” Between October 31 and November 2, Mexican families leave “food or other offerings on their loved ones’ graves, or set them out on makeshift altars called ofrendas in their homes.”

Bethany Packard, part owner and spokesperson for Gather, visited with SVI Media earlier this month and enthusiastically shared all the details of this event. Last year, when Gather hosted both the high school and adult proms, they knew they had discovered something special.

“When so many adult couples attended the Mom Prom, we thought, ‘we’ve got to do something like this once a quarter.’ We want adults to have somewhere to come and dance and have a party.”

Packard knows that Halloween is a time of fun for children and families, but the “Day of the Dead is for adults only at Gather on 89.” Entry includes music provided by a DJ and light refreshments of traditional Mexican favorites like chips and salsa, and a few other light foods. Guests will enjoy a buy-one-get-one free offer on the gourmet yoghurt at Swirl.

“It’s going to be super fun. We hope that we will have people come in costume with their faces painted” just like families do in Mexico. Costumes and painted faces are not required, but Packard knows it will add to the atmosphere and pick up the energy. “Gather will be decorated darling, and it’ll just be a lot of fun.”

Tickets are $10 per person, and can be purchased at the door or in advance at the Giftery.