Pretty princesses, ghostly ghouls, fierce firefighters and other characters and creatures will roam the streets of Greenwood for Halloween this Saturday.
This year, however, treat-givers may see more superstars, such as Hannah Montana and the late Michael Jackson, than clowns and fairies showing up at their doorsteps - unless that fairy is Tinkerbell. The popular Disney character has made a comeback, both on the small-screen with her straight-to-DVD movies and in the Halloween aisle at Wal-Mart.
“I actually don’t celebrate Halloween, but I have a little girl who would like to dress up,” Carolyn Sloan said. “I am trying to teach her that it is not all about evil, so I am looking for something like Tinkerbell or Dora (the Explorer), who are good.”
Many parents may feel similar to Sloan, as traditional and scary Halloween costumes are slowly being replaced by popular characters in the media.
“There is already so much evil out there in the world,” Sloan said. “I want something she will like that is not about goblins.”
As Sloan wandered the Halloween aisle, she picked up a Super Girl costume, a favorite among girls.
Alex Samford, daughter of Tabatha Samford, also was interested in being Super Girl this year, despite entering the Halloween section without any preconceived notion about what costume she would choose.
“I brought my little boy the other day and he went through the aisle every which way deciding what costume he wanted,” Tabatha Samford said. “She (Alex) is going pretty quickly on her decision.”
Before making any final decisions, Alex went through the rack displaying the different outfit choices for the familiar Disney character Sharpay from the “High School Musical” movies and Alex Russo from “Wizards of Waverly Place,” also on the Disney Channel.
Carla Williams’ son, Triston Perkins, was happy about his Halloween costume shopping experience.
“I basically get what he asks for,” Carla Williams said. “He watches the Power Rangers, so he would like a Power Rangers costume.”
Although Triston and Williams were unable to find a Power Rangers costume, they were pleased to choose another popular comic book, movie and television triple-threat character for Triston to wear, Spider-man.
With her blue gingham dress and ruby red shoes, a popular movie character who has been inspiring Halloween costumes for years is Dorothy from “The Wizard of Oz.”
“She is determined to wear the Dorothy costume,” Kylie Jenkins said about her cousin, Anne Grace Donahue. “She won’t consider anything else.”
Whether it is the glittery shoes or the movie, Anne has her mind set on her costume.
Some children, or their parents, found inspiration for a costume in a popular profession.
Liaa Zhu picked out a doctor costume for her son.
“I prefer something like a doctor because his father is a doctor, and he is always saying he wants to be a doctor, too,” Zhu said.
Others made choices based on an event.
“Me and my sister are going to be flower girls for Halloween,” Brittnay Williams said, not the ‘70s type of flower girls but in the traditional bridal sense.
Brittnay and her sister will be heading to the chapel for a Halloween wedding.
However, there is at least one traditionalist out there.
“I am just going to wear an original scary Halloween mask,” Cody Beam said. “Maybe a Freddy mask.”
For those looking to step outside the box, Halloween can also be a time to stretch the imagination and sewing skills.
“I was thinking about making my own costume,” Jenkins said. “I couldn’t find anything I wanted in Greenwood.”
Looking for some ideas?
Keep it simple. For those who have limited sewing skills, make a mask or wear costume make-up to create the character, instead of trying to make an elaborate full-body costume.
Use items you already own. A jellyfish costume could include just a hat with ribbons or string hanging off of it. Trashbags, with a head hole, tape and an imagination are all that is needed.
Most importantly, be creative. Who says you can’t go as static cling? Pin socks, underwear and shorts to everyday clothes. Just don’t expect people to know what the costume is.
Whether buying a popular television character costume or heading to the craft store for a homemade look, have a happy and safe Halloween.
