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The annual holiday commonly includes activities such as trick or treating, costume parties, carving jack-o’-lanterns, bonfires, apple bobbing, visiting haunted houses, telling scary stories or watching Halloween films. The name originated in the 16th century, “All-Hallows-Day”, the day before All Saints Day. It claims to have Scottish origin. Symbols and artifacts associated with Halloween formed over time. A good example is the carving of jack-o’-lanterns as a way of remembering the souls held in purgatory. Believe it or not, the turnip had traditionally been used in Ireland and Scotland at Halloween, but immigrants to North American used the native readily available pumpkin - much larger and easier to carve than turnips. The American tradition of carving pumpkins is first recorded in 1837. Elements of the autumn season such as corn husks and scarecrows became prevalent. Costumes became big as trick or treating spread. No one was to know who was threatening to do a trick if a treat was not provided. Today, much time is spent as the creative forces of everyone is displayed in yards, homes, schools and throughout our towns!
This year the big party is in Forest City. There is not one but two big events on Friday, October 28th. The first is at 4pm to 6pm. It’s a big “Trick or Treat & Costume Contest”! There will be a lot of treats and even contest photos taken at 108 East Main Street. From 6pm to 8pm it will be a Halloween “Boo”gie Concert at the Florence Mill Heritage Park (corner of Main and Mill Streets). The music featured will be both “The Night Moves Band” and the “Sound Connection”. Everyone is invited to bring a blanket, a chair and order some take out food from one of the Forest City Restaurants. If you prefer, you can pack your own picnic and enjoy the music, listening, dancing and just having fun. This big event will kick off a celebration that won’t end until Monday. It just keeps getting better.
On Monday, Rutherfordton will have its’ annual “Main Street Trick or Treat”! Beginning at 4:30pm kids are welcome to go up and down Main Street and get treats from all the merchants. They usually get a bag full of goodies. Last year a couple thousand attended the event. So, make sure you get to Rutherfordton for the “Main Street Trick or Treat”! Don’t forget to bring a big bag.
Meanwhile, ghosts and goblins will be going door to door throughout the county. Many churches will hold their decorative “Trunk or Treat” in the parking lots. The costumes will be great and seem to get better every year. What can I say, but have a good, safe time, dress warm, and don’t forget, especially for each of you...BOO!
I’ll have enough candy to last me for a year!
