In brief
With Halloween just around the corner, Americans are gearing up for the festivities. A recent poll shows that around two-thirds of U.S. adults plan to celebrate, especially parents with children under 18. This year, costume parties, decorating homes, and trick-or-treating are expected to be popular activities. Notably, communities like Blairstown, New Jersey, are leveraging their Halloween heritage to enhance local tourism and enjoyment, while families across the country celebrate with creative costumes and traditions.
Sherry Jenkins from Blairstown, New Jersey, embodies the Halloween spirit, hosting gatherings and distributing candy to thousands of trick-or-treaters each year. Her town, known for its association with the movie 'Friday the 13th', actively promotes Halloween through parades and events. Jenkins highlights the community's enthusiasm, reminiscing on her past attempts at offering healthier treats, which didn’t go over well with the kids.A recent poll by the Associated Press-NORC Center indicates that approximately 66% of U.S. adults will participate in some Halloween activities this year, with parents of children under 18 particularly engaged. Around 80% of these parents plan to celebrate, often dressing up and taking their kids trick-or-treating.In Arizona, Jessica Byrd and her family are excited to don costumes from popular culture. Byrd's children are keen participants, with costumes inspired by 'The Nightmare Before Christmas' and Pokémon. Similarly, Fred Joncas from North Carolina shares his tradition of trick-or-treating with his daughter, emphasizing the joy and excitement that surrounds Halloween.Beyond just trick-or-treating, many express their love for the season through home decorations, with about 30% of adults planning to decorate their homes for Halloween. Kathy Rice from Colorado Springs boasts year-round Halloween decor, reflecting her deep connection to the holiday from her childhood.While some individuals are fervent about Halloween, others maintain a more moderate approach, exemplified by Karalyn Kiessling from Michigan, who enjoys attending parties without extreme decorations. Regardless of how people choose to celebrate, the spirit of Halloween unites communities, fostering enjoyment and creativity during the spooky season.
