MC Ballyhoo

MC Ballyhoo is the host of Mario Party 8. He invites Mario and friends to his circus to party. His hat, Big Top, is a separate entity, completely capable of thinking and acting of its own free will. It is unconfirmed as to why the pair stays together, although Ballyhoo may wear the hat to provide a charming first impression to those who would otherwise be turned off by his formidable face. The function of his microphone is unknown, although it may be for show.

When he first appeared on the promotional box art for Mario Party 8, many mistook him for Chuck Quizmo, but there is no known connection between the two.

MC Ballyhoo's name would appear to be based on the word "ballyhoo", meaning "great noise or commotion"; such a term is often applied to carnival audiences.