Halloween soon...

[Cobra]

Hi guys,

Well, it seems like only a couple of months ago (yet it also seems like years ago) since it was last Halloween. Our house was targetted more than others since all the local kids know that we're students... and so a lot more fun to play with than the other houses (and better taste in chocolate, too).

Anyone up to anything special on Halloween or bonfire night?

Please - remember to stay safe on the 5th November! (link)

We'll probably get a hold of some fireworks for our back garden and have a good laugh. Give the neighbours a shout so they can watch, too.

Cobra

[jimmalenko]

bonfire night ???


Isn't it called Guy Fawkes night (or something similar) officially ?


Halloween isn't that big over here, although it is getting more and more popular with the younger generation every year. Nothing much really against it, but ... "we never used to do that when I was a kid ...". Not to get political, but it actually makes me a bit sad as a proud aussie that we are experiencing "an americanisation" of this nature. In fact nothing pisses me off more than the much cliched "trick or treat" from kids that knock at my door. I'm not a grinch (I am a tightass though ) - it's just not our tradition. I for one am proud of our heritage of our humble beginning of starting from all the outcasts the Brits didn't want in their prison system ...

[rallynavvie]

Halloween is big here. Just south of me is the city of Anoka, reported to be the "Halloween Capital of the World". I went to grade school in Anoka and every year for the big Halloween parades they had us dressed up and paraded around the city for the weekday daytime parade. Of course this was pretty fun as a kid. Now it's a bit of a nuisance since the bridge over the Miss in Anoka is the only one for miles and they shut down Main Street, the artery in that small town, causing havoc on traffic trying to get around the event. But I have to admit it's a big deal there and I'm amazed at how many people show up for the weekend parade and events. Oddly, some of the licquor stores around here do some really great sales to coincide with Halloween and it ends up being one of the few days I really stock up on my wine and Scotch collection. I always wait until the post-Halloween sales to stock up on my candy

I usually go of to one of the many costume parties different friends put on. Last year I went as Carl from Aqua Teen. Got a balding hair cap, shaved off the goatee except for the mustache, white tank top, blue sweats, flip-flops, gold chain, and some stuffing because I'm not quite the Carl size. Fortunately most people knew what I was. The year before that I was the Opera Ghost, and no half-ass costume either. I got the whole ensemble from the local theater. Unfortunately it was before the big screen release of Phantom but it was still a hit with the ladies.

This year I got a replica Napoleonic-era British Royal Navy post-captain's uniform, complete with saber, gold epaulettes, and bicorn hat which I will wear athwarthships in the Nelson style. This one I had to have shipped to me from the place that makes these for museums and re-enactment groups but all told it was only $300 for the "rental". To purchase the entire outfit would be almost a couple thousand dollars. Luckily my sizes are common and they had most of the pieces in stock so they only had to tailor the uniform coat. I'm sure I'll be the best-dressed for the event 8)

[lordsmurf]

Halloween is less and less popular around me. Blame the low class people swarming to the now-cheaper older area and higher crime rate that follow.

Which reminds me, I should move.

[b1tchm4gn3t]

Ive just gotten ready for all the kids that will be coming here. I dont know how many quarts this stainless steel bowl is, but its huge and overflowing with candy.

[Conquest10]

I live a block away from a grammar school so we get a lot of little trick-or-treaters.

rallynavvie, that is a great idea. I love Carl and am around the same physical shape he is in. I think I may dress up this year.

[Cobra]

We're going to get stashed up on satsumas and sweeties soon. Doubtless we'll get some trick-or-treaters.

[Forum Troll]

"Pleas to remember
The Fifth on November
Gunpowder treason and plot
I see no reason
Why Gunpowder treason
Should ever be forgot!"

Due to inflation, by royal decree, this year all children shall receive 5 pence for the Guy.

[offline]

bonfire night ???


Isn't it called Guy Fawkes night (or something similar) officially ?

Yep.

We have lots of bonfires in Melbourne. Against council rules so you have to be ready to nick off at a moments notice. A couple of years back I went to a big one by moonlight cove beach. There was a distinct shortage of magnesium, sugar and phosphorous around town after that night