I have always loved Halloween, especially as I became old enough to savor the opportunity to be creative. Costumes during my childhood were generally store bought and what my mom chose, but it was still exciting, maybe for the simple reason that it only happened in the fall. The unmistakable clues that special night was approaching: the smell of people’s wood stoves, morning dew turned to frost, the sound of leaves all around.
When my sister and I were in about second grade and kindergarten, our mother’s choice of costume was Nun. Okay, admittedly not very exciting. But we didn’t see it that way. We still got to wear a costume and go door to door during what was dinner time the rest of the year.
Middle school age, of course, saw the standard “hobo” costume. That was just right to indicate that I was too old to really commit to a costume, but still young enough to want to participate. A little burnt cork smudged strategically around your face, your big brother’s clothing, or your dad’s if he let you, and you were good to go. Although I do fondly recall at age 13, taking my six year old sister around the neighborhood. I had made her up to be a witch, and painted my own face to be a clown. No costume for me. I was too old for that! Just the clown face with my pea coat and jeans, my little witch sister in tow.
My late teens into early twenties were the most fun Halloweens I could imagine. My group of friends were all theater people who had wild imaginations, and the skills to really pull off their fantastical ideas. I was right at home. So, how I married a man who dislikes Halloween as much as he does, will forever remain a mystery! But he refuses to participate. He wouldn’t even have to use any brain power. He could just help me execute my ideas by agreeing to wear what I design. I mean, come on! How simple is that! I still harbor a fun image in my mind of him playing a six foot two Cher to my five foot five inch Sonny. I am willing to wear the Fu Man Shu mustache and leisure suit. He could do the hair flip with a long, black wig and a sequined gown. What husband in his right mind would refuse that! I mean, that’s funny!
Making my kids’ their costumes was a joy that would again cause that wonderful anticipation that only came once a year. I would go all out, doing them from semi scratch. Whatever they wanted, I would make happen. Even when my four year old’s heartfelt desire was to be a pink dog with red spots. Even when my six year old was insistent on being Snow White. (We are so not a Disney family). Point is, Snow White costumes could be bought anytime, anywhere. But not by me. Never by me. She was the only homegrown Snow White in her school. So much fun!
My kids now make their own costumes, but remnants of past Halloweens are boxed and in the attic. So, it’s up to make my own Halloween fun once again. But no longer for my kids. Definitely not for my husband. So … how lucky am I! I get to conceive of and offer an entire Halloween party for the children in our area, complete with games and crafts. Nothing scary. Nothing gory. Just fun, silly, creative fun!
So, if you’re looking for a fun, safe, easy daytime alternative to figuring out where to trick-or- treat, come and join us at TRUNK OR TREAT! It’s October 29 at 201 S. King Street. Trunks arrive at 1:00, and open at 1:15. Bring your costumed kids and your trunk full of goodies!
Our teachers are having a ball creating Halloween activities for you and your kids to enjoy! In the event of rain, all activities will take place inside. RAIN OR SHINE.