Posted: 25 Oct 12
1. Purpose
To take a closer look at the Spooky custom in general, around the nation, around our "neck of the woods," and in Pittsburg.
Note: In sections 4, 5, 6, & 7, below, Google search links are provided. BE CAREFUL OF THE DATES WHEN VIEWING THE RESULTS. Watch out for the correct year. Some entries may be for years past and this fact can be easy to overlook.
2. Rationale
- The joys of childhood are precious. Those priceless moments are fleeting, yet can shape and sweeten a whole life-time with fond memories and appreciation for the kindness of others.
- Imaginations are also useful life-tools which benefit from being allowed and encouraged to be exercised.
- The happy and healthy development of our children -- our future -- is everyone's business.
- Accordingly, it is worthwhile to approach this special golden moment for the young at heart with sufficient enthusiasm and understanding.
- Hopefully, this article will help in the preparation for and the savoring of days that pass by on wings, all too quickly.
3. Background
Every year, in our neighborhood, about 200 families show up -- from far and wide -- to proudly and joyfully display their creative costumes and to humbly seek a little token of our appreciation for the delightful parade brought to our door.
Over the year, my wife and I accumulate non-edible goodies, in eager anticipation of the big night, from the various sales that popup over that time frame.
Candy is a fun tradition, but there are many other clever (and less problematic) substitutes -- as long as they can't choke or poison the little ones. Naturally, the hardworking parents and older guardians get treated, too! (See the link, below, for more ideas)
And, we don't care how old a hand is stretched out to receive -- or whether costumed or not. This is for the kids in all of us.
Sometimes, I break out my old pirate's costume, but more and more I'm just content to watch.
At about 6:30 pm, we drag our porch bench to the curb, with a big bucket of coveted goodies. We don't have to wait for long before the show begins, non-stop -- with lots of ooh's and ah's from us over all the grand entertainment. Then, suddenly, at around 9:00 it all ends. Mission -- smiles maximization -- accomplished for one more year -- for our "guests" and ourselves.
Long live joy and good will!!
4. THE CUSTOM, IN GENERAL
- Halloween or Hallowe'en (a contraction of its original title "All Hallows'Evening"),[5] also known as All Hallows' Eve,[6] is a yearly holiday observed around the world on 31 October, the eve of the Western Christian feast of All Hallows. Most scholars believe that All Hallows' Eve was originally influenced by western European harvest festivals and festivals of the dead with pagan roots, particularly the Celtic Samhain.[6][7][8] Others maintain that it originated independently of Samhain. [Wikipedia] More...
- Trick-or-treating or "Guising", is a customary practice for children on Halloween in many countries. Children in costumes travel from house to house in order to ask for treats such as candy (or, in some cultures, money) with the question "Trick or treat?". The "trick" is a (usually idle) threat to perform mischief on the homeowners or their property if no treat is given. [Wikipedia] More...
- Trick or Treating Ideas (Google search)
- HALLOWEEN SAFETY TIPS (Google search)
- UPDATED! Zillow Names 20 Best Cities to Trick or Treat in 2012 (hmm... East County is not on the list, yet!)
- Halloween in the United States (Google search)
- Halloween in California (Google search)
- East County Live - Calendar (http://www.eastcountylive.com/event_calendar.php)
- Halloween in Contra Costa County (Google search)
- Halloween in the San Francisco Bay Area (Google search)
Trick or Treating in Pittsburg 94565 (Google search)
City (Government) Events Calendar
Halloween Costume Parade @ Noon -- Final Farmers Market Day of the season!! 10/27/Sat(9:00AM to 1:00PM) Read the full blog article...
- All children in costume between the ages of 3 – 10 are invited to participate.
- All participants must meet at Old Town Plaza before noon.
- There is no entry form or fee, just show up in your costume.
- Costume Awards at 12:45 pm for: Best Costume, Scariest Costume, Cutest Costume
- Free pumpkins available while supply lasts.
Halloween Bash & Pumpkin Patch -- Ages 12 & under FREE with a canned food donation; 10/28/Sun (12:00 PM - 5:00 PM); Cost: $2 ages 12 & under; $4 ages 13 and over; Small World Park, 2573 Harbor Street, Pittsburg. Read the full blog article...
Railroad Book Depot: SPOOKTACULAR -- 10/26 & 10/29 (See the flyer...)
- Family movie night (7-9 pm) 10/26/Fri
- Haunted Bus (4-6 pm), 10/29/Mon
- Pre-Halloween Party (4-7 pm), 10/29/Mon
FROM CONTRA COSTA TIMES
Halloween Events
Posted: 10/23/2012 10:15:41 AM PDT
Updated: 10/24/2012 02:49:13 PM PDT
As more events come to attention, they will be added here, until the big day has passed away
Happy Celebration of the Precious Creative Spirit!
All Original Content © 2012 , The MENTOR Enterprises / ELMS, All Rights Reserved -- BUT, I hereby suspend those rights, to this extent: You may freely copy and pass this along, if you think it will do some good -- as long as it's free of charge, unchanged, and you include this statement.
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