Halloween Hopes and Thoughts

The Irish might have brought the tradition into this country, but it was Americans who invented trick-or-treat, the pumpkin carving and the commercialization of it. In the last 160 years, Halloween has evolved into a great American holiday, enjoyed by descendants from all over the world.

What are the kids in our neighborhood really thinking about on this Halloween? What do they want?

In the beautiful afternoon sunlight on Halloween, I spotted 9-year-old Sierra Minick, riding on her brother's scooter under the watchful eye of her mother, Felicia, on the sidewalk outside of her home on the 1300 block of Emerald Street. It was her beautiful Halloween dress that first caught my attention.

What costume are you wearing?

It is the dress of Cinderella.

Wow, it is very, very pretty. Have you read the book, or seen the movie?

Yes, I saw the first one, and the second one. And I read the book, too.

Who made the dress for you?

My mom got it from Party City. But I took this laced ribbon off my stomach and put it on my hair.

It looks very nice that way. So what do you know about Halloween?

I know that on Halloween you get to dress up, you don't have to be yourself for one day and you get to dress up like somebody else — like a character.

Have you done your pumpkin carving yet?

No, but we will do it tonight.

Tonight? Would that be a bit too late for Halloween?

No, me and my father, we always do it on this night, and with my brother too.

What about your mother?

She doesn't want to do it. She just likes to watch.

What character are you going to carve your pumpkin as?

A scary one. Triangle eyes, triangle mouth and curved mouth. It might be a character from Haunted Mansion, on Disney Channel. I like to watch Disney Channel.

Do you like Halloween?

A little bit.

Only a little bit? What is your favorite holiday then?

I have two. Christmas and Valentines. Because on Christmas, I get the gifts, the presents. And on Valentines, well, that is my birthday. But Halloween is the Devil's birthday.

What grade are you?

I am in the fourth grade. I go to Friendship Edison Charter School.

Did you do anything related to Halloween in the school?

Yes, we had fun. We had a parade. We got candy.

Are you going to trick-or-treat tonight?

Yes.

What kind of treats do you like? What kind of candy?

Reese's Cups, Kit-Kats, and chocolate. And bubble gum.

Has anybody talked to you about safety?

Yes. If the wrapper is open, or something like that, you should not eat it, because there might be something bad inside it. Make sure somebody older is with you while trick-or-treating.

When you go out trick-or-treating tonight, what do you want most in your bag?

A lot of candy. §