Halloween is almost here! But with COVID-19 and the fear of spreading it, Halloween is going to look very different this year. We will still have Boo at the Zoo, Haunted Lantern Tour at the Cave of the Winds, and a host of other incredible events, but we may not see as many little witches, princesses, and comic book heroes at our doors.

Cherished Halloween Memories and Traditions

To keep the spirit of Halloween alive during this changed time, we asked our staff for their most cherished memories of Halloween.

Our answers are as varied as our staff, but the funniest one was, “I don’t turn on my porch light!”

Bobbing for Apples

Tim answered, “As a young kid I remember getting together with a few other kids from the neighborhood, Tim, Penny and Patty. I do not remember for how many years. There was one very special house on the candy route. It was at the corner of Wood Avenue and Fontanero. It was originally built by the owners of the Alexander Film Company.  It was so very interesting as we were always asked into the house.

“We then had to perform a trick or tell a joke and after that were escorted upstairs. Upstairs there was a large room that was probably a ballroom. Inside this room there was a barrel full of water and apples. We all had to ‘dunk’ for the apples.

“I remember it being very funny not only to participate but to watch the silliness of the moment! I still can visualize the cold water and the moving apples when I close my eyes.”

Baking and Cooking

Ashlee’s family loves baking. “Our family loves Halloween so we spend a good amount of time making cookies and fun themed treats for friends and family.” One of the family favorites is The Perfect Pumpkin Cookie.

Her family also “makes Crock Pot chili for dinner on Halloween. It’s so easy and it stays nice and warm, perfect for a bowl before and after trick-or-treating!” They also make cider that simmers all day on the stove, with the aroma of apples, oranges, lemons, cloves, and cinnamon perfuming the air provides just the right atmosphere for a ghoulish Halloween evening.

Costumes and Candy

Though Ashlee’s son is not fond of candy, he loves passing it out and picking favorite costumes.

Angela is the staff member who said, “I don’t turn on my porch light!” But her husband, Gunner, loves the celebration.

With fistful of candies and ecstatic excitement over every costume, Gunner celebrates with spooky decorations of ghosts and skeletons.

As the holiday season starts, The Maverick Observer staff hopes you enjoy the celebrations and let your hair down. But remember groups no larger than 10 and from only two separate households.

Our Halloween celebrations may look different, but we can still cherish the memories and traditions. CANDY ON!

The Maverick Observer, or “The Moe” as we affectionately call it, is an online free-thinking publication interested in the happenings in our town. We launched in February 2020 to hold our politicians and businesses accountable. We hope to educate, inform, entertain, and infuse you with a sense of community.