Halloween on Barbara Avenue
Jacquie Brasher

When we first moved to Barbara Avenue ten years ago, we had no idea the Halloween tradition was such a huge deal in the area. We were soon told around the time of Halloween that our neighborhood (which includes Margaret Blvd., Prince Ave., Golf Dr., Oak Lawn, etc.) was traditionally considered a high-traffic area for trickor treaters. I was thrilled! It seemed like fate to me because I have always enjoyed Halloween.

Not celebrating Halloween while growing up is probably why I enjoy it so much. It's a typical American event and not observed anywhere else in the world. As a kid, I remember watching American TV shows that featured Halloween themes and longing to be a part of it all. I mean, what's not to like about dressing up in costumes and getting bogged down in chocolate? It's a no brainer. Sign me up!

I try to dress up for Halloween every year. I've slacked off somewhat in the last couple of years, but I'm going to try and revive the tradition soon. The kids that came to our door in years past had no idea they were going to be greeted by Carmen Miranda, Snow White's wicked stepmother, a Flapper, or Computer Elvirus. I'm afraid I've inadvertently startled a few of the little ones who weren't expecting to be greeted by a costumed madwoman in stage makeup. The older ones seem to get a kick out of it. And by the way, is it normal for 16-yearolds to trick or treat? What's the cutoff age? Is there a cutoff? Some of these pre-adults don't even bother to dress up, look bored, and just want candy. I think there should be a rule that if you don't have on some kind of costume, or if you're not in the spirit of the festivities, you get a sour apple. I'm not talking about expensive costumes, either. Costumes should reflect a modicum of imagination. Those are the interesting ones.

I keep a tally every year of how many children come to our door. Last year was wild and wonderful and broke the record at over 200. I either lost count or passed out after that. There were children jumping out of minivans, flatbed trailers, and trucks. You could see a line of cars bumper-to-bumper down our street, which looked like midtown Atlanta at rush hour. A lot of people just parked their cars and walked it, which is the best thing to do. I recommend carrying lots of flashlights because it's pretty dark out here even with the street lights. I usually have candles and glowing pumpkins out on my front porch. A neighbor one street over had a haunted house in their garage last year and I could hear the screams and laughter from my street. It sounded like loads of fun.

Someone asked me if I give our cats their own costumes at Halloween. That's just the funniest mental image- Dharma and Viking in costumes! Well, if I had a death wish I would certainly attempt to dress them up. So, the answer is no, I would rather bungee jump off the Swainsboro water tower than even consider such a notion. First of all, I don't think dressing one's pets in human clothes is in any way kosher with Mother Nature. Second, if I did that, I'd probably be reincarnarted in the next life as a poodle in a pink tutu. I love Halloween, but not that much. Happy Halloween, everyone!- Jacquie Brasher is senior staff writer for The Forest-Blade and may be reached at jacquie@forest-blade.com

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