Halloween Fun

By Janet O’Brien ::

Spooky witches, heroic firefighters and beautiful princesses … these are just a few of the imaginative things we can be at Halloween.  It’s one of the few times of the year when adults and children alike can dress up as their alter ego and have some great fun.  And I am no exception, as I LOVE the Halloween holiday.  I anxiously await the precious little ones that come to my door looking for treats and hoping not to encounter too many tricks.  Their little faces peering out from under a princess crown or pirate headgear, the creativity of parents in my neighborhood is incredible.  However, as more people seek a safer place to trick or treat, we at O’Brien Productions have found that our corporate clients and churches are offering some spooktacular alternatives.

A number of country clubs have created Halloween parties for the members’ little ones.  Complete with haunted houses, a DJ to spin the latest tunes mixed with traditional Halloween favorites such as the Monster Mash, Michael Jackson’s Thriller, the theme from The Addams Family, Ghost Busters and who could forget One-eyed One-Horned Flying Purple People Eater.  Chefs are still creating their delicious dishes but with a twist to keep the kids in giggles—Finger cookies with bloody nails made with almond slivers as nails and a touch of red food color to make them appear as if they are bleeding, edible eyeballs (which are actually carrots, cream cheese and black olives) and let us not forget the Halloween cocktails for the adults!  Bloody Marys are always a great traditional Halloween theme cocktail, but have you tried a Blood-Tini, Blood Punch, Candy Corn, Devils Handshake or a Halloween Hypnotist.  These are all request you should make this Halloween season.

And the fun is also happening at many local churches.  We have seen our church clients step it up with carnival like atmospheres.  Inflatable moonwalks, slides and obstacle courses are always fun for the children.  Many churches will select a theme for the carnival and ask the children to consider costumes which aren’t so scary.  A few of the ones I have seen include Bible themes with the girls and boys dressing as shepherds, sheep, angles or even a king.  Another super cute and easy theme is Hollywood!  This themed party allows the children to dress as their favorite star.  I snicker as I remember one such event where an ambitious child dressed as an agent, complete with suit and tie.  This year our church has selected the theme “Mayberry- Back to a Simpler Time.”  We will have guest dressed as Aunt B, Ernest T. Bass, Floyd the Barber, Andy and we may even see someone as Otis.  Our church may never be same!  No matter the theme, rest assured everyone will have a great time serving popcorn, enjoying apple pie, playing simple carnival games and drinking hot chocolate.

Whatever your plans are for Halloween this year – make it a fun and safe event!