Before long, it will be time to crack open the hot apple cider (with cinnamon sticks, of course); and wait for the rush of creatures of the night, goblins, ghosts, and skeletons to creep up to your front door and howl: "Trick or Treat!
Others will be heading to their Halloween parties, dressed as, if history is any guide –Elvis and Priscilla, vampires, zombies, their favorite Superhero’s, and 80’s rock characters, among others.
Halloween, a secular name taken from the religious feast “All Hallows' Eve’’ (now All Saints Day) became associated as a popular folk tradition in the mid-19th century, when Irish immigrants began flooding major urban cities after the potato famine and to escape political prosecution; and with it they brought their traditions and customs, including masquerade parades, and the carving of pumpkins. So that by the early 20th century, Halloween evolved into largely a secular celebration for children.
By the 1930’s, an assortment of clothing companies began manufacturing apparel for children, including the U.S. Mask Company in Woodhaven, New York, Bland Charnas Co. in Long Island N.Y., Halco in Pennsylvania, and E. Simons and Sons in New Orleans, Louisiana.
Prior to World War II, in addition to the manufacturing of many ghosts and witches’ costumes, popular costumes included: Little Orphan Annie and Mickey Mouse; by the 1960’s President John F, Kennedy and First Lady Jacqueline became fashionable, as did the musical group, the Beatles and Apollo astronauts, according to Phyllis Galembo’s book: “Dressed for Thrills: 100 Years of Halloween Costumes and Masquerade’s ‘’
So as we prepare for another Halloween, The Morning Delivery conducted its own survey in hopes of finding out which costumes will likely be in style this year. As you might have guessed, the former “king of pop’’ will rule the night. Michael Jackson costume requests appear to be going through the roof, according to a majority of costumes shops contacted by the Delivery.
For those interested in knowing the most popular outfits being requested, here is a sampling from costume shops in different select U.S. cities.
375 Broadway
New York, NY 10013
Most Popular Requests:
a.) Ricky’s NYC Weedies: The Costume of Champions ($29.99) includes a swimming cap, goggles, fake jumbo ears, eight Gold Medals and a faux bong.
b.) Ricky’s NYC Womb Rader Baby Sash ($29.99) includes only the black sash with eight plastic babies attached to it. No, Brad Pitt is not included
c.) Ricky’s NYC Whack the Ponzi Schemer ($49.99), includes a two piece orange jumpsuit, full face mask, a set of handcuffs and a blow-up Super Striker Hammer.
d.) Kim Jung Il ($49.99): This hilarious costume set includes a two piece dark khaki jumpsuit, square-rimmed glasses and a wig.
4637 Hollywood Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90027
Most popular requests: Big craze is ZOMBIE, followed by vampires. Other favorites include Mad Hatter, “Queen of Hearts’’ (character from “Alice's Adventures in Wonderland’’. Celebrity requests include: Farrah Fawcett, Paris Hilton, and Michael Jackson (dead & alive). A representative is counting his lucky stars that Ozzie Dots hasn’t fielded any Sarah Palin requests. Not yet anyway.
3506 Monroe St.
Madison, WI 53711
Most popular requests: Harry Potter has flown out of the store for boys. Second are black Ghoul robes. Young girls are swooning over the Mermaid costumes. Older girls go for Fairies and pretty witches. Adult women are buying Greek togas, flappers and hippies. Men like the adult size animal costumes with Skunk being the most popular. Parents are buying the toddler size cozy animals especially Dinosaurs and Lions.
New Orleans Party and Costume
705 Camp St
New Orleans, LA 70130
Most popular requests: Vampires; and “Stimulus Package'’ attire; that is, anything having to do with money, such as a dollar sign
545 8th Street, SE
Washington, DC 20003
Most popular requests: Batman (Watchmen comic series), Catwoman (hoping to look like Holly Berry), 80's rock (think punk, heavy metal, blonde wigs); X-Men Storm costumes, and caterpillar accessories with green tights
Easley's Costumes and Fun Shop:
509 W. McDowell Rd., (at 7th Avenue), Phoenix, Ariz
Most popular requested: Elvis, Star Trek characters, Michelle Obama; most popular group requests, include: “Wizard of Oz'', “Alice in Wonderland'' and “Gilligan’s Island
811 N Capitol Ave, Indianapolis, IN
Most popular requests: Vampires, Tim Burton's gothic adaptation of “Alice in Wonderland’’, Johnny Depp as the Mad Hatter.
9797 W. Colfax Ave., Lakewood, CO 80215
Most popular requests: Michael Jackson, vampires, adult women are requesting anything sexy; while Mario and Luigi (Nintendo video game) seem to be popular for young and old alike
1120 West Fullerton, Chicago, IL 60614
Most popular requests: Boys: Mario and Luigi; Girls-popular princesses; Men- Michael Jackson, Women-Silk Specter from the Watchmen.
Masquerade Halloween Adventure in Times Square
311 W. 43rd Street (Between 8-9th)
New York, N.Y., 10036
Most popular requests: Michael Jackson for kids and men, flappers for women. Gi Joe for boys. “Oh and vampires are big again. True blood. "
211 N 3rd Street
Philadelphia, PA 19106
Most popular requests: Michael Jackson; Pirates; and an assortment of costumes that hark back to Colonial Philadelphia
-Bill Lucey
WPLucey@gmail.com
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