Imagine walking through the dark of Central Park and into a spooky and magical environment inundated with acid green light. Under a tent at Rumsey Playfield on Mid-central Park at 72 street, over 400 ingeniously dressed New Yorkers were celebrating the spirit of Halloween just a tad bit early.

The guests at last night’s Central Park Conservancy Gala attended the gala with some amazing costumes. Some of the best costumes included a Tea Party, a Central Park Concession Stand, The Tea Bag Couple, Sully and the Wayward Goose. WABC personalities Lauren Glassberg and Kimberly Richardson joined Harlan Bratcher, President and CEO of A/X Armani Exchange to judge the best over-the-top costumes with wonderful prizes that included luxurious stays on the romantic Surrey Hotel on Manhattan’s Upper East Side.

The night included cocktails that were passed around by waiters in green ties and chit chat amidst the mystical fog and spider webs.  Guests dined under the great cloud formations and willow trees that moved across the ceiling. The dinner menu was created by Danny Meyer’s Union Square Events featuring a Honey-Roasted Quince Salad, Pan-Seared Creekstone Farms Sirloin with Shallot-Cabernet Jus, and delicious Chocolate Brioche Bread Pudding. The attendees danced the night away to the sounds of DJ Tom Finn on the spooky swamp like dance floor decorated with whimsical tree stumps and flaming candlelight.

Led by chairs and committee members including Suzanne and Robert Cochran, Judy and John Angelo, Kristy and Jonathan Korngold, John Stossel, Anita and Stuart Subotnick, Patsy and Jeff Tarr, Julie Wurts, Kipton Cronkite, Corrente Schankler, Amy Tarr as well as CPC President and Central Park Administrator Doug Blonsky, NYC Parks Commissioner Adrian Benepe, Women’s Committee President Gillian Miniter and Emcee WABC News’ Lee Goldberg. The event is the foremost fundraiser for the Central Park Conservancy raising over $700,000 to benefit the Conservancy and its mission to maintain and preserve Central Park to its former splendor.

Like Haute Living New York? Join our Facebook page. Want Haute Living New York delivered to your in box once a week? Sign up for our newsletter.