The Auroran
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Export date: Thu Jul 18 20:19:50 2024 / +0000 GMT

Tales of a Halloween foot soldier


As I was trotting along with the young ones in their – up until now – annual Halloween-treat collection, I became aware of pass-it-on, word of mouth communication among the munchkins, when they were told of “a house around the corner”, where full size chocolate bars were being handed out.
Sure enough, upon reaching the street, a good sized mascot, representing the chocolate bar manufacturer, was displayed in the driveway in one of the first houses and the kind lady handing out the bars revealed of her work related connection with the manufacturer.
I am sure that location will be permanently programmed in their memory.
I was always, somewhat, of the opinion (probably more on the advice of the dentist) that children should no longer go out for Halloween treat collection, once they no longer needed to be accompanied by a parent. I was nearly knocked down by a rushing tall, well Halloween attired young fellow, who, at my 5' 10”, was a least 6 inches taller than I, instantly bringing to mind the possible obliging frame of compassion of Raptors management's part in having their young recruits participate in Halloween in that manner.
Also young tall girls, all properly Halloween dressed up, but probably old enough to work at McDonalds or Tim Hortons, came whooshing by ensuring that they would not overlook one of the houses.
The children used small Halloween shaped buckets, which were from time to time emptied in a pillow case and, at a later time, the loot would be equally divided. At the end there some left overs they would not know what to do with, except that at that point one of young ones will, most likely, generously propose to give them to their granddad in appreciation for having escorted them on their route.
I am in awe and full appreciation of the extensive display of blown-up large size Halloween figures, grave stones, lighted skulls, etc., along with the beautifully carved pumpkins along the way, with, at one point, the youngest one insisting on holding my hand walking up the driveway somewhat anxiously observing the sights and sounds of ghostly lit-up figures.
Despite the rain being out there, I fully got to enjoy the community and neighborhood Halloween festive atmosphere and entertainment.

Alex Vander Veen
Aurora
Post date: 2013-11-06 14:49:25
Post date GMT: 2013-11-06 19:49:25

Post modified date: 2013-11-06 14:49:25
Post modified date GMT: 2013-11-06 19:49:25

Export date: Thu Jul 18 20:19:50 2024 / +0000 GMT
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