Holiday's A Time For Howling Good Parties

July 28, 2016 at 4:25 p.m.

By Ruth Anne Lipka, Times-Union Lifestyles Editor-

Halloween is better than Christmas?

That's what a North Webster area woman believes, and that's why she and her husband throw a big Halloween bash every year.

"It's our most favorite time of the year," said Laurie, who asked that her last name not be used to prevent party crashers. "It's a really good time ... I like it better than Christmas because it's less stress and you don't buy presents or make a turkey.

Guests bring a potluck dish, so Laurie isn't chained to her kitchen to prepare for the festivities.

Laurie admits, though, that in the past six years - this is the seventh annual - things have gotten a little out of hand. "So many people look forward to it," she said. "It's just become a tradition." She estimates that 50 to 75 people attend each year.

The first year the party took place, neighbors telephoned complaints to police when the music got a little too loud. But when the police showed up, they were mistaken for costumed guests. "Nobody took them seriously," Laurie said.

It's a requirement for guests to wear a costume to the party, "even if it's just a funny hat," she said. "Even the reserved people who you'd think won't get into it do, and if (guests) don't get dressed up, they get harassed ... blasted with Silly Stringª and food thrown at them."

Costumes don't seem to be a problem for Laurie's guests though. Last year, one showed up dressed as "O.J.'s Bronco," wearing a box painted white, with a little blood on the door handle. And a longtime bearded friend came as half man, half woman and, yes, he shaved off half the mustache and beard.

Many of those who come to Laurie's party make their own costumes, while others resort to renting one. Time constraints forced Laurie to do so this year, but she's not telling what she's going to be.

However, Joyce Conlon at Ape Over You/Celebrations in downtown Warsaw, said that some of the most popular costumes this year are characters from the Star Wars movies - their popularity is renewed by the recent re-release of the series.

While many people renting costumes are planning or attending a party, Conlon said that at least one couple plans to dress up strictly for the pleasure of the children who trick-or-treat at their home. And what did they choose? The man and woman will be turtles. [[In-content Ad]]

Halloween is better than Christmas?

That's what a North Webster area woman believes, and that's why she and her husband throw a big Halloween bash every year.

"It's our most favorite time of the year," said Laurie, who asked that her last name not be used to prevent party crashers. "It's a really good time ... I like it better than Christmas because it's less stress and you don't buy presents or make a turkey.

Guests bring a potluck dish, so Laurie isn't chained to her kitchen to prepare for the festivities.

Laurie admits, though, that in the past six years - this is the seventh annual - things have gotten a little out of hand. "So many people look forward to it," she said. "It's just become a tradition." She estimates that 50 to 75 people attend each year.

The first year the party took place, neighbors telephoned complaints to police when the music got a little too loud. But when the police showed up, they were mistaken for costumed guests. "Nobody took them seriously," Laurie said.

It's a requirement for guests to wear a costume to the party, "even if it's just a funny hat," she said. "Even the reserved people who you'd think won't get into it do, and if (guests) don't get dressed up, they get harassed ... blasted with Silly Stringª and food thrown at them."

Costumes don't seem to be a problem for Laurie's guests though. Last year, one showed up dressed as "O.J.'s Bronco," wearing a box painted white, with a little blood on the door handle. And a longtime bearded friend came as half man, half woman and, yes, he shaved off half the mustache and beard.

Many of those who come to Laurie's party make their own costumes, while others resort to renting one. Time constraints forced Laurie to do so this year, but she's not telling what she's going to be.

However, Joyce Conlon at Ape Over You/Celebrations in downtown Warsaw, said that some of the most popular costumes this year are characters from the Star Wars movies - their popularity is renewed by the recent re-release of the series.

While many people renting costumes are planning or attending a party, Conlon said that at least one couple plans to dress up strictly for the pleasure of the children who trick-or-treat at their home. And what did they choose? The man and woman will be turtles. [[In-content Ad]]

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