Planning my costume was one of the best parts— only second to all the free candy. With our family having little money to spend on such things as store-bought costumes, each year my parents and I would rummage through closets, drawers, garage cabinets and trinket boxes for items that when put together to make the perfect Halloween outfit for me to wear out on my candy-begging venture.
Thinking about present-day families and some of their financial struggles, I thought I would give some tips on where to find parts and pieces to create costumes that just might be better than those available readymade. Here are my suggestions:
Check out your local thrift stores such as Salvation Army, Out of the Closet, St. Vincent de Paul, Goodwill or Aids Assistance Thrift Store. All of these can be found in Long Beach.
While recently checking out various thrift-store websites, I found that Goodwill (amazinggoodwill.com) had some ideas for youth and adult Halloween outfits. Look at their website for photos and detailed costuming instructions.
Below are some examples of their online ideas for low-cost costumes:
Shark Grey hooded sweatshirt, pieces of white and black felt, cardboard, grey sweatpants or leggings and hot glue
Dinosaur Hooded sweatshirt with matching pants, sweatpants or leggings, colorful pieces of felt slippers and hot glue
Vintage housewife Wig and hair rollers, housecoat or robe, slippers and a coffee mug
My point is that you don’t have to spend a fortune to really dress up. Make sure that you do your best to hit the thrift stores or local shops that specialize in vintage or vintage-like clothing. If you do, you are not only saving money, you are donating to local worthwhile agencies— and recycling.
Also, for those looking for a place to show off your costumes, check out the City of Signal Hill’s Halloween carnival. Taking place the Saturday before Halloween, Oct. 24, from 3pm to 6pm, the event will be located at Signal Hill Park, 2175 Cherry Ave. According to the City’s flyer on the event, cost for children is $3 per wristband— required for all activities. Festivities will include live stage shows, jumpers, crafts, games and candy/prizes. Available for sale will be pizza, popcorn and drinks.
Although many cities have cut Halloween festivities over the last several years because of financial issues, residents in Signal Hill and local neighborhoods are fortunate because the event will take place regardless of budget concerns, largely due to donations from local businesses.
Those contributing this year are Signal Hill Petroleum, Mesa Environmental, Big E Pizza, the Signal Tribune, Hooman Nissan of Long Beach, Signal Hill Employees Association, Rossmoor Pastries and Unlimited Environmental, Inc. Besides those who donate money, there will also be a host of individuals and those from various businesses and organizations on hand to volunteer with the staffing of game booths and craft tables.
Let’s all plan to have a happy and safe Halloween— only 29 days away.
