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It's not every day that Mountain View is graced by the presence of world-famous celebrities. But last Sunday night, Rengstorff Park was visited by Snow White, Jasmine, Mario and Tigger.

The occasion was Mountain View's annual Monster Bash, and children from around the city showed up dressed in their favorite costumes.

This year's Monster Bash was complete with cookie decorating, monster mask-making, free popcorn and drinks, plus an outdoor showing of the movie "Monsters vs. Aliens."

There seemed to be something for everyone, said Lesley Ruzon, a Mountain View resident who brought her four children to the festivities. Her kids, she said, had the most fun with the arts and crafts activities.

Other families seemed to be especially drawn by the idea of gathering together in costumes.

"(My kids) get really excited," said Art Lopez, a Mountain View resident. "It's not just the popcorn or the movie. They love dressing up."

Adults had similar reasons for attending. Some, like Eduardo Ruiz of Mountain View, saw the event as an opportunity for family time. Another local resident, Yessenia Alviso, had her 1-year-old son with her, but was excited to meet people and watch "Monsters vs. Aliens." Even teenagers were heard calling their friends to join them at the park for a free movie.

The event was planned by the city of Mountain View's Recreation Division, in partnership with the Youth Advisory Committee, said Gerardo Moreno, who works for the Recreation Division. Funding came equally from both sources, he said.

Members of the Youth Advisory Committee came to the event to volunteer as staff there. Angeline Capati is on the Youth Advisory Committee, and decided to volunteer because she heard how fun working with the children was in previous years.

"They're so cute!" she said of the children. "And I helped with the cookie decorating and they were so enthusiastic. ... Their eyes lit up when they had the choice between chocolate and vanilla. And when they ate it? Oh God."

Later in the night, Capati was helping clean up after all those cookie eaters.

"It's kind of ironic: Snow White on trash duty," she said, motioning to her Disney princess costume.

Moreno said that with 500 people attending throughout the night, the event was a success. "Even for a Sunday, it's really packed," he said. "I'm just happy all the kids are having fun."