A spooky way of life to pass on
I’m sure by now, you all know how much I love Halloween and anything spooky. Many times, my thoughtful community members pick up something fall or Halloweenthemed they know I’ll like.
I even have a Halloween tiara. Yes, it’s a thing. Well, sort of...I made it a thing, alright!
You see, I’m a member of the Lake Holcombe Haunted Trail group that offers a Walk of Terror behind the school. I was originally recruited to help for my dramatic flair, but after 19 times around the mile or so loop in a night, over roots and hills, my knee told me I wasn’t cut out to be a guide.
I then tried running my own scene, which is a section of the trail where I, and/or others in that area, jump out and scare people. The first scene I did was a funny one, where I was a crazy German chef and kept the attendees in stitches (not the Frankenstein ones).
The next one, I was a beautiful portrait. If you’re waiting for me to finish that sentence, it is
finished. I literally sat inside a picture frame that was built and people thought I wasn’t real; they waited for me to do something, but I didn’t and when they relaxed, I turned and hissed at them, with the other side of my face in hideous makeup.
It was so great watching them jump and stumble back, some of the teens even hitting the ground in their fright. Am I evil for thinking that’s funny? Probably.
That was also the year, it was so cold and snowed on us. I honestly think I got hypothermia, so I knew I needed a change – like working in the warm concession stand? Alas, that didn’t pan out, but my skills were still utilized. The last several years since then, I’ve been stationed at the gate, taking tickets and moving people through.
Not to brag, but I’m actually the most important person there, because I have the walkie talkie and send the guides in with their groups. (Just smile and nod, and let me have this, OK?) This year, the walkies didn’t want to work, but we worked out a time between groups that went well and got the line diminished each night, as much as we could. We had over 500 people attend that weekend, so I think we did great.
Anyway, back to my Halloween tiara. As I’m sure many of you are also aware, I adore my tiaras (I have five and one crown) and am never far from one. I wear them in the office, around the house, when covering events and at meetings. However, I knew my pretty, sparkly head pieces weren’t going to fit a spooky persona, so I turned to Amazon for help.
After a bit of a search, I found a horned type of deal I fell in love with and knew immediately, I’d just discovered a Halloween tiara. I added it to my online cart and purchased it.
When it came, it was even cooler than I expected, and was decorated with leaves and flower-like things, with a band to put around the head. Add some gray makeup (that ended up giving me an allergic reaction), wild blue hair and scraggly dress, complete with a cloak, and you have a swamp witch.
Kids loved the tiara and many wanted to feel the horns. I, of course, was in my element, as I performed for my audience, laughed and chatted with those in line (and wished I had a campfire, because it was cold). Many of “my kids” were there, coming from Holcombe, of course, but also Cornell, Cadott and Sheldon.
One of my kids, a younger girl, was there with her friend and was excited to see me in my costume. I worried she’d be too scared going through the trail. I mean, I screamed when the chain saw guy came after me, but to be fair, I also screamed when one of the guides went behind my chair to get a drink of water and I didn’t see her until I turned.
My little friend seemed to enjoy the trail, at least, she wasn’t carried out by an adult, sobbing, which has happened for some of those tiny ones. In fact, she told her mom later, that when she grows up, she’s going to love Halloween and spooky stuff like I do.
Now if that isn’t a great compliment, I don’t know what is. Kinnley, my dear girl, when you’re ready, I can’t wait for you to join me in helping on the trail. I’ll even find you your own Halloween tiara!
