Whether it's trick-or-treaters or costume parties, Halloween festivities are in full swing for the upcoming weekend and beyond. The official date falls on a Tuesday but some places are getting a jump start on the festivities by celebrating on Saturday, Oct. 28.
Trick-or-treating was not always a way for children to get candy by dressing in costumes. In old Ireland, villagers feared evil spirits that came by the neighborhood and to keep these spirits from entering their homes, they left gifts outside for them.
Coral World pulls out all the stops on Saturday from noon to 4 p.m. Children 12 and under in full costume get in free when accompanied by an adult. Adults pay full price. Once inside, kids are treated to face painting, non-permanent tattoos, fortune-telling, a Spook House complete with a costumed character to lead the tour and, of course, plenty of candy. Photos with exotic birds costs an additional $5.
Tillett Gardens is the place for Harry Potter fans on Saturday when the Gardens take on the look of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry beginning at 4 p.m. Saturday, a wonderland of magical creatures, ghosts, talking paintings, dragons, elusive spirits, flying broomsticks and magic shops. There is no charge for admission, either to Tillett Gardens or to Hogwarts.
The management at Tutu Park Mall is hosting a traditional trick-or-treat event from 1-5 p.m. Saturday. All mall merchants are prepared to pass out treats, and kids accompanied by an adult can go from shop to shop within the mall but they must be in costume to get treats. "We have a safe indoor environment at the Mall," said marketing manager Pam Morales, "and we¹re protected in case of inclement weather. And if the school strike hasn't been settled we'll probably expand our programs so the kids can stay and enjoy themselves."
According to the Encyclopedia Brittanica, "In ancient Britain and Ireland, the Celtic festival of Samhain eve was observed on October 31, at the end of summer. This date was also the eve of the new year in both Celtic and Anglo-Saxon times and was the occasion for one of the ancient fire festivals when huge bonfires were set on hilltops to frighten away evil spirits."
The tradition continues, but the spirits have changed. Instead of ghosts and goblins it's Coors Light and Halloween shooters.
On Saturday, the folks at Duffy's Love Shack, the coolest parking lot bar in the Caribbean, will outdo themselves with a Haunted Western Saloon theme. The transformation of the restaurant to a haunted saloon has already begun and the entire parking lot will be closed down to protect revelers from the public and vice versa.
The mayhem begins at 6 p.m. with Halloween drink specials, toys and giveaways. Costume contest judging begins at 10 p.m.
On Tuesday at The Green House, Kmart is the sponsor for this Two-for-Tuesday event with costume competitions as part of the "Rocky Horror Picture Show" and announcement of the winners at midnight. A total of nine winners will be chosen. In addition to cash prizes, with $100 for the first place winner, $50 for second and $25 for third place, participants could go home with a color TV or stereo tucked under your arm, thanks to Kmart.
