halloween - News - The Coastal Star2024-03-28T10:40:56Zhttps://thecoastalstar.com/profiles/blogs/feed/tag/halloweenFinding Faith: How should people of faith deal with Halloween?https://thecoastalstar.com/profiles/blogs/finding-faith-how-should-people-of-faith-deal-with-halloween2023-10-03T18:36:35.000Z2023-10-03T18:36:35.000ZThe Coastal Starhttps://thecoastalstar.com/members/TheCoastalStar<div><p style="text-align:center;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}12239045285,RESIZE_584x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12239045285,RESIZE_584x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="524" alt="12239045285?profile=RESIZE_584x" /></a><em>Fright Night films offer gruesome images as part of their appeal. ‘We have to be careful what we look upon, what we bring into our lives,’ Father Kevin McQuone says.</em><br /><strong><em>Photo provided</em> </strong></p>
<p><strong>By Janis Fontaine</strong></p>
<p>Some holidays are sacred (Christmas and Easter, Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur), some are patriotic (July Fourth and Memorial Day), and some are just for fun (St. Patrick’s Day, Valentine’s Day).</p>
<p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}12239046453,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12239046453,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}" width="108" alt="12239046453?profile=RESIZE_180x180" /></a>“Those are beer-and-Hallmark holidays,” says Father Kevin McQuone, assistant professor of pastoral theology at the Catholic St. Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary in Boynton Beach. But Halloween stands alone with its dark and dangerous themes. </p>
<p>Most holidays feature indulgence. You might wake up with a pulsing headache or upset stomach the next day, but Halloween, the church says, has its own inherent dangers.</p>
<p>“Our celebrations should reflect our values,” McQuone said. “If someone came to my home, what would they see is valuable to me?” </p>
<p>Would they find tombstones and gargoyles? Witch silhouettes in the windows and skeletons on the lawn? </p>
<p>Some will argue the origin of Halloween has a religious connection, and it does. As Christianity spread and the church expanded its reach, local pagan holidays were often absorbed to make the people feel more comfortable. All Hallows’ Day — also called All Saints’ Day — is a Christian feast day celebrated on Nov. 1 in honor of the saints. The night before was All Hallows’ Eve, a more solemn night of fasting and prayer.</p>
<p>When Catholics assimilated the Celts, they enveloped the Celtic bonfire festival, called Samhain, which celebrated the end of harvest with huge fires and the slaughtering of animals. It was much like a harvest festival, except that it ushered in winter, the “dark half of the year.”</p>
<p>At this time of year, practitioners believed the veil between the living and the dead was thinner and spirits could cross over and take living souls back to hell with them. To appease the spirits (demons), the fearful folk left plates of food out to distract them and dressed in deathlike costumes to confuse them.</p>
<p>Somehow these customs have morphed into the current Halloween, with more dark debauchery seemingly added to the palette each year. </p>
<p>From a clearly practical sense, Halloween is one of the deadliest nights of the year for children. The reason? Motor vehicle vs. pedestrian accidents. A study by <em>JAMA Pediatrics</em> looked at almost 40 years’ worth of data and found: “The relative risk of a pedestrian fatality was 43% higher on Halloween compared with control evenings.” </p>
<p>Of course, the numbers dropped significantly over the last two years, but looking at traffic fatality numbers for the first half of 2023, they’ve soared back to pre-pandemic levels — and higher. </p>
<p>And it’s not just kids who are vulnerable: Adults are more likely to crash their cars in the wee hours of Nov. 1 compared with typical days, Traffic Safety Marketing reported, citing more episodes of drunk driving. </p>
<p>But what if you save your life but risk your soul? </p>
<p>McQuone likens your spiritual health to your physical body and what you consume.</p>
<p>“No doctor will say one French fry is going to kill you, but a steady diet of them will certainly have an effect,” he said.</p>
<p>What you consume spiritually can lower your defenses. A diet of grisly horror movies, virus-infested zombies and evil serial killers has an effect, even if you can’t see it. Showing your openness to darkness is the first step to inviting it in. </p>
<p>McQuone says to think of demons as germs and spirituality as the immune system. The stronger your system, the less likely you are to get sick. </p>
<p>McQuone says that although our intentions may be light and playful, no spirits are benign. This is one place where things are truly black and white, he says. No spirit is neutral, unaffiliated or independent.</p>
<p>“There is God’s team and not-God’s team,” he said. “And it’s not harmless just because you believe it’s harmless.” </p>
<p>The devil and the demons who tempt us were angels who defied their allegiance to God, McQuone says.</p>
<p>“They said, ‘Hell no,’ quite literally to God,” who cast them out. Lucifer (some say he was God’s choir director!) was the highest of them all, but he was not and is not a God, McQuone says.</p>
<p>“He’s a creature, evil personified,” and McQuone further cautions, “Don’t take your stance on the devil from the movies. They make the devil more interesting than he is.” </p>
<p>Still, ask psychologists and they’ll tell you Halloween is good for kids. Pretending, playing dress-up and using one’s imagination build bigger brains. These folks condone more benign costumes, like princesses and athletes.</p>
<p>Other psychologists say scary costumes are fine and Halloween is an opportunity to face our fears, especially our fear of death. </p>
<p>“Halloween rituals turn horror into play, death into levity, gore into laughter,” UC Berkeley psychologist Dacher Keltner says in an article for <em>Greater Good Magazine</em>, a publication of UC Berkeley (<a href="http://www.greatergood.berkeley.edu">www.greatergood.berkeley.edu</a>).</p>
<p>Safe, moderate levels of stress can be good for us. Still, are we talking about blood-drenched zombies and chainsaw-wielding killers jumping out at us like we find at Fright Nights? </p>
<p>McQuone’s best advice?</p>
<p>“We have to be careful what we look upon, and what we bring into our lives.” <br /> <br /><em>Janis Fontaine writes about people of faith, their congregations, causes and community events. Contact her at fontaine423@outlook.com.</em></p></div>Fall/Halloween Calendarhttps://thecoastalstar.com/profiles/blogs/fall-halloween-calendar2023-10-03T18:08:34.000Z2023-10-03T18:08:34.000ZMary Kate Leminghttps://thecoastalstar.com/members/MaryKateLeming769<div><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}12239038900,RESIZE_1200x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12239038900,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="710" alt="12239038900?profile=RESIZE_710x" /></a></p></div>Fall & Halloween Eventshttps://thecoastalstar.com/profiles/blogs/fall-halloween-events2022-09-27T16:00:42.000Z2022-09-27T16:00:42.000ZMary Kate Leminghttps://thecoastalstar.com/members/MaryKateLeming769<div><p><em>Note: Events are current as of 10/22. Please check with organizers for any changes.</em></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><strong>OCTOBER 2-8</strong></p>
<p style="text-align:left;"><strong>Thursday - 10/6</strong> - <strong>Sandoway Discover Series: Halloween</strong> at Sandoway Discovery Center, 142 S Ocean Blvd, Delray Beach. Outdoors, limit 10 students per class. Age 3-5. Held again 10/20. 2:30 pm & 3:15 pm. $8/non-member; $2/member child. RSVP: 561-274-7263; sandoway.org</p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><strong>OCTOBER 9-15</strong></p>
<p><strong>Thursday - 10/13 - Fall-Oween Spooktacular Show & Parade </strong>at Boca Raton Public Library, 400 NW 2nd Ave. Special show features Suzy Hammer as Grizelda the Sweet Witch. Child can dress in costume; trick-or-treat parade through the library follows. Child must be accompanied by an adult. All ages. 4-4:45 pm. Free. 561-393-7968; bocalibrary.org<br /><strong>10/15 - Fall Festival </strong>at Centennial Park & Amphitheater, 120 E Ocean Ave., Boynton Beach. Bounce houses, games, rock wall, petting zoo, sack races, pumpkin decorating contest, face painting. Kids receive free popcorn & candy. Community Greening giving away 200 trees (wild tamarind, slash pine, loquat and avocado). 3-6 pm. Free. 561-742-6641; boynton-beach.org<br /><strong>Saturday - 10/15-16 - Boca Raton Pumpkin Patch Festival </strong>at Mizner Park Amphitheater, 590 Plaza Real. Carnival rides, kiddie cornstalk maze, scarecrow dress-up village, sponsor giveaways, more. Pumpkins, savory & sweet cocktails, fair food for purchase. 10 am-6 pm. Per day $25/person age 3+; free/under age 3. Advance ticket purchase required: bocapumpkinpatch.com</p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><strong>OCTOBER 16-22</strong></p>
<p><strong>Thursday - 10/20 - Halloween Fall Fest </strong>at Delray Beach Historical Society, 3 NE 1st St. Costume contest, games, outdoor movie, exhibits, refreshment stations, bake sale, more. 5-8:30 pm. $5/person; free/members & age 3 & under. Registration: 561-274-9578; delraybeachhistory.org<br /><strong>Friday - 10/21 - Ghoul’s Night Out Haunted House & Happy Hour</strong> at Milagro Junior Teen Center, 346 SW 6th Ave, Delray Beach. Benefits Milagro Center Junior Team Leadership Program. 6-8 pm. $25. 561-279-2970; milagrocenter.org<br /><strong>10/21 - Witches Brew</strong> at Tim Finnegan’s Irish Pub, 2885 S Federal Hwy, Delray Beach. Supports Annual Witches Ride (10/29); benefits Achievement Centers for Children & Families. 6-9 pm. $40/person. 561-276-0520; achievementcentersfl.org<br /><strong>10/21 - Mel Brook's Young Frankenstein</strong> at The Willow Theatre at Sugar Sand Park, 300 S Military Trl, Boca Raton. Presented by Entr'acte Theatrix. Runs through 10/30. 8 pm & 2 pm. $20. 561-347-3948;willowtheatre.org</p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><strong>OCTOBER 23-29</strong></p>
<p><strong>Sunday - 10/23 - Halloween in the Garden</strong> at Gumbo Limbo Nature Center, 1801 N Ocean Blvd, Boca Raton. Outdoor crafts, games, wear your coolest costume. Carpooling encouraged; insect repellent suggested. Age 2-6; child under 18 must be accompanied by parent/guardian. 4:30-5:30 pm. $10/member; $13/non-member. Reservations: 561-544-8615; gumbolimbo.org<br /><strong>Tuesday – 10/25 - Haunted Opera</strong> at Delray Beach Public Library, 100 W Atlantic Ave. Go behind the scenes, discover the stories, music, production of some dark & scary operas. Presented by Palm Beach Opera. 1 pm. Free. Registration: 561-266-0194; delraylibrary.org<br /><strong>10/25 - Halloween Celebration & Costume Contest</strong> at Boynton Beach City Library, 100 E Ocean Ave. Age 13-17. 4-6 pm. Free. 561-742-6390; boyntonlibrary.org<br /><strong>Friday - 10/28 - Costume Tennis</strong> at Boca Raton Tennis Center, 271 NW Boca Raton Blvd. Tennis fun & pizza for kids currently enrolled in the tennis program. Age 5-12. 5 & 6 pm. $3/child. 561-393-7978; myboca.us/bocaboodays<br /><strong>10/28 - Serve It Forward Glow in the Dark Tennis Experience</strong> at Delray Beach Tennis Center, 201 W Atlantic Ave. Live DJ, blacklights, costume contest, silent auction, prizes, fun for everyone. 6 pm. $75/player; $40/age 10-17; $35/spectator; free/children under 10. 508-886-4500; belikebrit.org/glow <br /><strong>10/28 - Little Scream</strong> at Bryant Park, 100 S Golfview Rd, Lake Worth Beach. Trunk or treating, children’s & pet costume contests, Screen on the Green movie, games, activities, more. 6-9 pm. Free. 561-586-1600; lakeworthbeachfl.gov<br /><strong>10/28 - The Haunted Nature Preserve</strong> at Lantana Nature Preserve, 400 E Ocean Ave. Guided haunted trail tours, DJ dance party, costume contest, hayride, kids carnival games, vendors, prizes, more. 6:30-9 pm. Free w/free event parking at Lantana Beach. 561-540-5751; lantana.org<br /><strong>10/28 - The Rocky Horror Picture Show Experience</strong> at Mizner Park Cultural Center, 201 Plaza Real, Boca Raton. Age 18+. 7 pm & 9:30 pm. $25. Tickets: 561-347-3948, Info: 561-347-3948; miznerparkculturalcenter.com<br /><strong>10/28 - Haunted Hammock</strong> at Gumbo Limbo Nature Center, 1801 N Ocean Blvd, Boca Raton. 30-minute guided walk through shadowy, mysterious hammock forest along the boardwalk; learn about nocturnal critters that creep & crawl when no one else is around. Program is a little scary w/some frights along the way. No flashlight or cell phone use during program. Carpooling encouraged; insect repellent suggested. Age 7+; child under 18 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian. 7:30-10 pm. $10/member; $13/non-member. Reservations: 561-544-8615; gumbolimbo.org<br /><strong>Saturday - 10/29 - 11th Annual Witches of Delray Beach Bike Ride</strong> starts at City Hall, 100 NW 1st Ave; ends at Old School Square, 51 N Swinton Ave. Benefits Achievement Centers for Children & Families. 7:30-11:30 am. $40/rider. 561-276-0520; achievementcentersfl.org<br /><strong>10/29 - St. Gregory’s Annual Fall Bazaar</strong> at St. Gregory’s Episcopal Church, 100 NE Mizner Blvd, Boca Raton. 9 am-3 pm. Free/admission & parking. 561-395-8285; stgregorysepiscopal.org</p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><strong>OCT. 30 - NOV. 5</strong></p>
<p><strong>Sunday - 10/30 - Fall Festival</strong> at St. Joseph’s Episcopal Church, 3300 Seacrest Blvd, Boynton Beach. Held between 9:30 am & 11:45 am services. Free. 561-732-3060; stjoesweb.org<br /><strong>Monday - 10/31 - Halloween Spooktacular!</strong> at Delray Beach Public Library, 100 W Atlantic Ave. Children invited to come in costume; have fun with music, treats, win a prize for most creative costume! Age 6-12. 5 pm. Free. Registration: 561-266-0194; delraylibrary.org<br /><strong>10/31 - Halloween Party</strong> at Delray Beach Public Library, 100 W Atlantic Ave. Age 13-17. 5-7 pm. Free. Online registration required: 561-266-0194; delraylibrary.org<br /><strong>10/31 - Halloween at the Addison presents Gotham</strong> at 2 E Camino Real, Boca Raton. Benefits Boca Helping Hands. Age 21+. 7 pm. $250/VIP; $150/general admission. 561-372-0568; specialevents@theaddison.com</p></div>Tots & Teens: Pumpkin patches popping up in time for Halloween funhttps://thecoastalstar.com/profiles/blogs/tots-teens-pumpkin-patches-popping-up-in-time-for-halloween-fun2022-09-27T14:38:40.000Z2022-09-27T14:38:40.000ZThe Coastal Starhttps://thecoastalstar.com/members/TheCoastalStar<div><p style="text-align:center;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}10828818280,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}10828818280,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="710" alt="10828818280?profile=RESIZE_710x" /></a><em><strong>ABOVE:</strong> Cason United Methodist Church’s annual Pumpkin Patch is Oct. 15-31 outside the church in Delray Beach. Admission is free. The festival includes a car-to-car trick-or-treating day Oct. 30. <strong>BELOW</strong></em><em><strong>:</strong> Boca Raton will have a Pumpkin Patch Festival at Mizner Park. Tickets must be purchased in advance for the Oct. 15-16 festival. <strong>Photos provided</strong></em></p>
<p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}10828818879,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-right" src="{{#staticFileLink}}10828818879,RESIZE_584x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="480" alt="10828818879?profile=RESIZE_584x" /></a><strong>By Janis Fontaine</strong></p>
<p>Any day now, a tractor trailer filled with around 4,000 pumpkins will make its way from New Mexico to Cason United Methodist Church in Delray Beach for the annual Pumpkin Patch, which, after 26 years, is one of the church’s signature events. <br /> “A lot of Methodist churches do pumpkin patches. It’s a fun family event,” organizer Sharon Bebout said. <br /> She enjoys working the event, which requires a village of volunteers to pull off. <br /> Tricia Schmidt, pastor David Schmidt’s wife, has been ordering the pumpkins from the same company for the last few years. Instead of paying for the orange orbs outright, the church pays a commission on their sales in November when all the figures are in. “Everybody makes money,” Schmidt said. <br /> At the patch, pumpkin prices are determined by tape measure. After the church pays the grower, the rest of the proceeds from the event benefit Cason UMC’s mission and outreach programs. <br /> From minis to monsters, you’ll find a plethora of pumpkins. Some are picture-perfect while others are strangely shaped and colored. You’ll also find vibrant green and gold gourds. With prices beginning at $1, there’s a little burst of fall color for everyone.<br /> “For some people, the uglier the pumpkin, the better,” Bebout said. <br />The pumpkin patch is open every day for about two weeks, thanks to the volunteers, which makes it convenient for busy families. This year’s dates are Oct. 15-31.<br /> “It’s become a tradition for some families,” Tricia Schmidt said. They take photographs of their kids in costume in the same place each year, she said. “We have a Cinderella’s carriage the kids love to climb on that’s perfect for photos.” Especially if your kid wants to dress up as a princess or a prince. <br /> It’s a lively time at Cason, which is planning two special events to go with the Pumpkin Patch: <br /><strong>The Family Fun Fest</strong> takes place from 10 a.m. to noon Oct. 22. This features crafts, story time, a fire truck and free ice cream. Come in costume. Everyone is welcomed and admission is free. <br /> <strong>Trunk or Treat</strong>, an alternative to the door-to-door Halloween hunt for candy, takes place in the parking lot from 3:30-5:30 p.m. Oct. 30. Costumed kids go car-to-car to beg treats from the decorated trunks. Admission is free. Get a commemorative photo from Marco Photo Co. for an additional charge.<br /> Once the Pumpkin Patch is over, “the leftover pumpkins get donated to zoos and pig farms for the animals to eat,” Bebout said. <br /> Bebout is happy that Cason UMC is known for a great family event that brings hundreds of people to the church each year. “It’s truly a combined effort of love.”</p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;">Boca pumpkin festival</span> <br /> Plan for fall — and fun — to arrive in Boca Raton on Oct. 15 and 16 when the Boca Raton Pumpkin Patch Festival takes place in Mizner Park Amphitheater. This family friendly event features carnival rides, a pumpkin food court and fun for Halloween fans of all ages.</p>
<p><strong>Highlights include:</strong> <br /> • Pumpkins! With thousands to choose from, your personal favorite is waiting. The festival has specialty pumpkins too, like white orbs and the popular blue Cinderella pumpkin. Look for tiny pumpkins plus squashes and gourds of all sizes. <br /> • Carnival rides: Kids older than 3 get a wristband for unlimited rides with admission. For the little kids, there are kiddie roller coasters and bumper cars. <br /> • Fall photo vignettes: Capture a memory to share. You can photograph the family for your Halloween cards with plenty of time to share them before Halloween. <br /> • Scarecrow Village: The scarecrows need to dress up in crazy outfits that will scare off the crows and they need your help. <br /> • The cornstalk maze: This twisty, 10-foot-tall challenge is perfect for the little ones.<br /> • Pumpkin decorating kits: Your family Picasso’s time to shine. Decorate your gourd on site or take the kit home ($3). Pumpkins must be purchased separately. <br /> • The Pumpkin Food Court and Pumpkin Beer Bars: Refresh yourself between activities with sweet and savory pumpkin treats along with fair food favorites. Adults can sip pumpkin brews from Sam Adams and Angry Orchard.</p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;">If You Go</span></p>
<p><strong>What:</strong> 27th annual Pumpkin Patch<br /><strong>When:</strong> Noon-7 p.m. Monday through Friday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturdays and 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sundays, Oct. 15-31<br /><strong>Where:</strong> Cason United Methodist Church, 342 N. Swinton Ave., Delray Beach <br /><strong>Admission:</strong> Free <br /><strong>Info:</strong> <a href="http://www.casonumc.org">www.casonumc.org</a> or 561-276-5302</p>
<p><strong>What:</strong> Boca Raton Pumpkin Patch Festival <br /><strong>Where:</strong> Mizner Park Amphitheater, 590 Plaza Real <br /><strong>When:</strong> 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 15-16. <br /><strong>Admission:</strong> $25 for age 3 and older, includes a wristband for unlimited carnival rides and access to all attractions. Infants and toddlers younger than age 3 are admitted free. <br /><strong>Tickets/info</strong>: All tickets must be purchased in advance. No tickets at the gate. <a href="http://www.bocapumpkinpatch.com">www.bocapumpkinpatch.com</a></p></div>Tots & Teens: Pumpkin Patch; Cason United Methodist Church, Delray Beach — Oct. 21https://thecoastalstar.com/profiles/blogs/tots-teens-pumpkin-patch-cason-united-methodist-church-delray-bea2021-11-02T14:52:40.000Z2021-11-02T14:52:40.000ZThe Coastal Starhttps://thecoastalstar.com/members/TheCoastalStar<div><p style="text-align:center;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9760304669,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9760304669,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="710" alt="9760304669?profile=RESIZE_710x" /></a><em>Devon Silva-Frost, 2, of Boca Raton enjoys making a pumpkin selection. Delray Beach native Samantha Frost came to the patch as a child and wanted to share the experience with her son. </em><strong>Photo provided by Samantha Frost</strong></p></div>PHOTOS: October in the Pumpkin Patchhttps://thecoastalstar.com/profiles/blogs/photos-pumpkin-patches2021-11-01T19:49:29.000Z2021-11-01T19:49:29.000ZThe Coastal Starhttps://thecoastalstar.com/members/TheCoastalStar<div><p style="text-align:center;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9757331096,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9757331096,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9757331096?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="710" /></a><em>Olga Kovaleuskaya reacts as her daughter Victoria, 18 months, throws a pumpkin through the air at “The Boca Pumpkin Patch Festival” at Mizner Park Amphitheater. Olga and her family reside in Boca Raton. <strong>Photo by Tim Stepien</strong></em></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9757329264,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9757329264,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9757329264?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="710" /></a> <em>Boca residents Samuel Meija, 5, and his cousin (Front,R) Daniel Rodriguez, 5, dress a scarecrow Saturday afternoon, one of the activities at “The Boca Pumpkin Patch Festival” at Mizner Park Amphitheater. <strong>Photo by Tim Stepien</strong></em></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9757320272,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9757320272,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9757320272?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="710" /></a><em>Devon Silva-Frost, 2, of Boca Raton, enjoys making a pumpkin selection. Delray Beach native Samantha Frost came to the patch as a child and wanted to share the experience with her son.</em><strong><em> Photo provided by Samantha Frost</em><br /> </strong></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9757315084,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9757315084,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9757315084?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="710" /></a><em>Delta Phi Epsilon sorority sisters from Florida Atlantic University pose for photos while they pick out pumpkins Sunday afternoon at Cason United Methodist Church in Delray Beach. Pictured left to right, Liv Roberti, Cooper Callahan, Chloe Tam and Amy Reynolds. <strong>Photo by Tim Stepien</strong></em></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><strong><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9757361493,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9757361493,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9757361493?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="710" /></a></strong><em>Danielle Hurley of Boca Raton picks out pumpkins with her 6-year-old twins, Cameron Hurley and Leighton Hurley at Cason United Methodist Church in Delray Beach. <strong>Photo by Tim Stepien</strong></em></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"> </p></div>Witches of Delray: Tim Finnegans, Delray Beach — Oct. 23https://thecoastalstar.com/profiles/blogs/witches-of-delray-tim-finnegans-delray-beach-oct-232020-10-28T18:19:14.000Z2020-10-28T18:19:14.000ZMary Kate Leminghttps://thecoastalstar.com/members/MaryKateLeming<div><p style="text-align:center;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}8088118861,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}8088118861,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="710" alt="8088118861?profile=RESIZE_710x" /></a><em>The Witches of Delray hosted a ‘Witches Brew’ happy hour fundraiser at Tim Finnegans Irish Pub. Proceeds from the event benefited the Achievement Centers for Children & Families. The ninth Annual Witches of Delray charity bike ride was modified because of COVID-19 concerns. In place of a group bike ride through the city, the witches held various opportunities to ‘get wicked’ live and virtually throughout downtown Delray Beach. This year’s events raised more than $7,000. RIGHT: Lynn Korp shows off the bicycle she decorated and named ‘Day of the Dead.’ Donated for auction, the bicycle drew a top bid of $1,195. Korp is an artist who operates Renaissance Restoration Studio on Atlantic Avenue. <strong>Tim Stepien /The Coastal Star</strong></em> </p></div>Delray Beach: Witches of Delrayhttps://thecoastalstar.com/profiles/blogs/delray-beach-witches-of-delray2019-10-30T17:30:00.000Z2019-10-30T17:30:00.000ZThe Coastal Starhttps://thecoastalstar.com/members/TheCoastalStar<div><p style="text-align:center;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}7960914278,original{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}7960914278,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-center" alt="7960914278?profile=original" /></a><em>ABOVE: The eighth annual Witches of Delray Ride along Atlantic Avenue on Oct. 26 consisted of about 300 witches and raised $15,908 for Achievement Centers for Children & Families in Delray Beach. BELOW: The ‘Sea Turtle Rescue Witches of Highland Beach’ won first place in the category of best group theme.</em></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><em><strong>Photos by Tim Stepien/The Coastal Star</strong></em></p>
<p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}7960914672,original{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}7960914672,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-center" width="550" alt="7960914672?profile=original" /></a></p></div>Delray Beach: Watch out for witches riding around downtown Delrayhttps://thecoastalstar.com/profiles/blogs/delray-beach-watch-out-for-witches-riding-around-downtown-delray2018-10-03T15:46:55.000Z2018-10-03T15:46:55.000ZMary Kate Leminghttps://thecoastalstar.com/members/MaryKateLeming769<div><p class="p1" style="text-align:center;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}7960814682,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="750" src="{{#staticFileLink}}7960814682,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-center" alt="7960814682?profile=original" /></a><em>Last year, the Witches of Delray ride had one group with a Lily Pulitzer theme. This year, participants will ride through the city on Oct. 27 wearing black and purple. <b>Photo provided</b></em></p>
<p class="p1"></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1"><b>By Rich Pollack</b></span></p>
<p class="p3">When the Witches of Delray ride their bikes on Oct. 27, it might be difficult to tell just which witch is which.</p>
<p class="p3">That’s in large part because most of the more than 200 — maybe even 300 — witches taking part in the seventh annual Witch Ride for Charity will be dressed in black and purple and wearing pointy hats.</p>
<p class="p3">“If you want to be a witch, you just have to have something black,” says Alpha witch Andie DeVoe.</p>
<p class="p3">DeVoe, Beta witch Tricia<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span> McFadden and several other members of the impromptu coven have been planning this year’s ride — and the Witches Brew Happy Hour fundraiser —<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span> for months.</p>
<p class="p3">The event began as a rogue ride and is part of a growing trend of similar rides throughout the country.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span> It has become an integral part of the Halloween season in Delray Beach<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span> — held in coordination with the Parks and Recreation Department and the Police Department.</p>
<p class="p3">“We’ve made it safer, we’ve made it more fun and we’ve made it bigger all because of the community support,” says DeVoe, who is in her fifth year as the lead witch.</p>
<p class="p3">This year’s ride will start at 9 a.m. at City Hall and continue along Swinton Avenue, George Bush Boulevard and State Road A1A before ending up at the Delray Beach Green Market in the ark at Old School Square Park.</p>
<p class="p3">There, witches will be judged on best broom (bike), best costume, best witch’s cackle and, new this year, best group. Witches are typically free to disband by 11:30 a.m.</p>
<p class="p3">The gathering of witches begins at about 7:30 a.m. in the City Hall parking lot. Witches are encouraged to register at witchesofdelray.org, but registrations are accepted on-site. Registration is $25 in advance and $30 at the ride.</p>
<p class="p3">“One of the best things is when people start showing up and we see how creatively everybody has decorated their bikes,” says DeVoe. “That just makes this witch go wild.”</p>
<p class="p3">Safety is a priority, DeVoe says, and in recent years all witches have been required to have their bikes go through a safety check by the Delray Beach Bicycle Club and Richwagen’s Bike and Sport shop. Delray Beach police escort the witches along the 41/2-mile route.</p>
<p class="p3">While the ride is the main event, many witches make their first appearance of the Halloween season during the Witches Brew party, which is set for Oct. 19 at Tim Finnegan’s Irish Pub, 2885 S. Federal Highway in Delray Beach, beginning at 5 p.m.</p>
<p class="p3">Like the ride itself, the brew, which includes silent auction items and witches singing karaoke, raises money for the Achievement Centers for Children and Families. </p>
<p class="p3">Last year more than $8,000 was raised.</p>
<p class="p3">For more about the Witches of Delray, visit the website or find them on Facebook. </p>
<p class="p4"></p>
<p class="p5"><i>The Witches of Delray ride is Oct. 27, with a gathering at City Hall, 100 NW First Ave., at 7:30 a.m. and ride at 9. Entry fee is $25 in advance, $30 the day of the event. witchesofdelray.org.</i></p></div>Halloween & Fall Eventshttps://thecoastalstar.com/profiles/blogs/halloween-fall-events2018-10-03T00:46:28.000Z2018-10-03T00:46:28.000ZMary Kate Leminghttps://thecoastalstar.com/members/MaryKateLeming769<div><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}7960813852,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="750" src="{{#staticFileLink}}7960813852,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-full" alt="7960813852?profile=original" /></a></p></div>Christmas tree at Halloweenhttps://thecoastalstar.com/profiles/blogs/christmas-tree-at-halloween2017-11-01T15:20:21.000Z2017-11-01T15:20:21.000ZThe Coastal Starhttps://thecoastalstar.com/members/TheCoastalStar<div><p style="text-align:center;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}7960747499,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}7960747499,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-center" width="600" alt="7960747499?profile=original" /></a><em>Isabella Ghislandi of Boynton Beach does her best Supergirl pose for her mother, Laura, as they join ‘Trick-or-Treat Along the Avenue’ on Oct. 29 near Old School Square in Delray Beach. The lighting of the city’s new 100-foot Christmas tree will be held 5-9 p.m. on Nov. 30. <strong>Jerry Lower/The Coastal Star</strong></em></p></div>Halloween in Lantana: Haunted Nature Preserve – Oct. 14https://thecoastalstar.com/profiles/blogs/halloween-in-lantana-haunted-nature-preserve-oct-142016-11-02T13:54:30.000Z2016-11-02T13:54:30.000ZThe Coastal Starhttps://thecoastalstar.com/members/TheCoastalStar<div><p style="text-align:center;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}7960675468,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="500" src="{{#staticFileLink}}7960675468,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-center" alt="7960675468?profile=original" /></a><em>Pre-Halloween revelers came early for a costume contest and stayed late to dance the night away</em></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><em>at the town’s second annual Haunted Nature Preserve. <strong>ABOVE:</strong></em> <em>Zombie cheerleaders (l-r) Janevia Collin, 7,</em></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><em>and Kaliyah Hugger, 8, of Lantana, react to a scary pumpkin creature. <strong>BELOW</strong></em><em><strong>:</strong> Christian Denton,</em></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><em>dressed as a deranged psycho, runs through the preserve to scare people.</em></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><strong>Photos by Taylor Jones/The Coastal Star</strong></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><strong><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}7960675656,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="500" src="{{#staticFileLink}}7960675656,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-center" alt="7960675656?profile=original" /></a></strong></p></div>Trunk or Treat/Chili Cook-Off: St. Joseph’s Episcopal School, Boynton Beach – Oct. 20https://thecoastalstar.com/profiles/blogs/trunk-or-treat-chili-cook-off-st-joseph-s-episcopal-school-boynto2015-12-02T16:12:34.000Z2015-12-02T16:12:34.000ZMary Kate Leminghttps://thecoastalstar.com/members/MaryKateLeming769<div><p style="text-align:center;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}7960604673,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}7960604673,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="504" alt="7960604673?profile=original" /></a><em>The school entertained families from nearby neighborhoods with contests for most creative and scariest costumes, as well as tastes of the hot-and-spicy southwest concoction. <strong>ABOVE:</strong> (l-r) The Elliott family — David, James, Avery and Kristin — in their winning costumes. <strong>Photo provided</strong></em></p></div>Tots and Teens: Hauntings and pumpkins galore for Halloweenhttps://thecoastalstar.com/profiles/blogs/tots-and-teens-hauntings-and-pumpkins-galore-for-halloween2015-09-30T14:26:08.000Z2015-09-30T14:26:08.000ZChris Felkerhttps://thecoastalstar.com/members/ChrisFelker<div><p><strong><a href="http://thecoastalstar.ning.com/profiles/blogs/tots-and-teens-police-advise-precautions-during-halloween-festivi">Related story: Police advise precautions during Halloween festivities</a></strong></p>
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<p><strong>By Janis Fontaine</strong><br /> <br /> Halloween is more popular than ever, but the days of trick-or-treating door-to-door are fading fast. Less than a third of costumed kids plan to walk around their neighborhoods ringing doorbells. Parties are becoming the norm. But no one wants to be all dressed up with nowhere to go, so we’re offering a few options. <br /> <br /> <strong><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family:georgia, palatino;">Haunted schoolhouse</span></strong><br /> The Schoolhouse Children’s Museum and Learning Center, 129 E. Ocean Ave. in Boynton Beach, will hold its annual Spooktacular: Haunted Schoolhouse on Oct. 24 and 25. <br /> This not-too-scary event is designed for kids ages 3 to 9 and features a “slightly spooky” Wizard of Oz theme on the first floor for younger kids, and a “slightly scarier” zombie-themed experience on the second floor for older kids.<br /> The event takes place 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $5 per child, with one free accompanying adult. <br /> The museum also will hold its first Costumes & Cocktails, an adults-only costume party, from 7 to 10 p.m. Oct. 23. The evening features food by the bite, cocktails, dancing to DJ Arce’s special Halloween spins, a costume contest with prizes, glow-in-the-dark painting and access to the haunted house. Costumes are encouraged but not required. Tickets are $50 (proceeds benefit the museum). <br /> For more information: call 742-6780 or go to <a href="http://www.schoolhousemuseum.org">www.schoolhousemuseum.org</a>.<br /> <br /> <strong><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family:georgia, palatino;">Haunted hammock</span></strong><br /> Gumbo Limbo Nature Center, 1801 N. Ocean Blvd., Boca Raton, offers two frightening events: <br /> Halloween in the Hammock is an evening scare-fest for kids ages 6 and older (adults are welcome, too!). They can stroll through the spooky forest with ghostly guides and visit with creepy animals like snakes, owls and spiders. Attendees need to beware that the little lights that flicker, dance and gleam are not what they seem. <br /> Costumes are welcomed but not required, but reservations are required. The event is 6:30 to 9 p.m. Oct. 17. Tickets are $10 members, $15 nonmembers, $20 at the door (if available). <br /> At Halloween in the Garden from 10 a.m. to noon Oct. 25, kids ages 2-6 are invited to a morning of games, treats, crafts and photo ops with Luna the sea turtle. Costumes are encouraged but not required.<br /> Because this program takes place before the center’s regular opening time of noon, the aquariums and other exhibits will not be open. <br /> Pre-registering for this event is a good idea, as it sold out last year. Tickets are $7 members, $10 nonmembers, $14 walk-in. <br /> For more information or to register: <a href="http://www.gumbolimbo.org">www.gumbolimbo.org</a> or 544-8615. <br /> <br /> <strong><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family:georgia, palatino;">More outdoor thrills</span></strong><br /> The town of Lantana is hosting its first Haunted Nature Preserve from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Oct. 16. Visitors will take a guided excursion through the haunted preserve then celebrate with a DJ for music and dancing, a costume contest, hayrides, carnival games, prizes and, of course, candy. Lantana Nature Preserve is at 400 E. Ocean Ave. This new event is part of Lantana’s new special events program called Enjoy Lantana! Info: <a href="http://www.lantana.org">www.lantana.org</a>.<br /> <br /> <strong><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family:georgia, palatino;">Superhero walk</span></strong><br /> Here’s an opportunity for youngsters to join costumed friends in an event help the Boca Raton Children’s Museum raise money to keep the museum open.<br /> At 10 a.m. Oct. 10, the Save Our Children’s Museum Superhero Walk will take place at the museum. The goal is to recruit 100 children and their families to raise $100 each, making them Museum Heroes.<br /> Everyone in a costume is a hero, including princesses and pirates. Families will stroll around Boca Raton Christian School then return to the museum for a party with food, games, activities and prizes. <br /> The museum is at 498 Crawford Blvd., Boca Raton. Registration is $25. Call 368-6875 or email wendy@cmboca.org. <br /> <br /> <strong><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family:georgia, palatino;">Pumpkins everywhere</span></strong> <br /> Pumpkin patches are a big source of fund-raising for many churches. Here are a couple of local choices: <br /> The Pumpkin Patch at West Campus of First United Methodist Church of Boca Raton, 9087 Glades Road, is open 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon to 7 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 10-31. Volunteers needed; 395-1244 or <a href="http://www.fumcbocaraton.org">www.fumcbocaraton.org</a>. <br /> Cason United Methodist Church, 342 N. Swinton Ave. in Delray Beach, also features a Pumpkin Patch starting at 9 a.m. daily from Oct. 10 to 31. Call 276-5302. <br /> <br /> <em>Janis Fontaine writes about teenagers and toddlers. Contact her at janisfontaine@outlook.com.</em><br /></p></div>Tots and Teens: Police advise precautions during Halloween festivitieshttps://thecoastalstar.com/profiles/blogs/tots-and-teens-police-advise-precautions-during-halloween-festivi2015-09-30T14:25:41.000Z2015-09-30T14:25:41.000ZChris Felkerhttps://thecoastalstar.com/members/ChrisFelker<div><p style="text-align:center;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}7960602456,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}7960602456,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="402" alt="7960602456?profile=original" /></a><em>A scary, skeletal guard greets visitors who dare to enter the spooky grounds</em></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><em>for Halloween in the Hammock at Gumbo Limbo Nature Center in Boca Raton.</em></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><strong>Photo provided</strong></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"></p>
<p style="text-align:left;"><strong> </strong> During Halloween, we throw many of our rules out the window, according to officials at the Boca Raton Police Department. Kids dress in crazy, sometimes inappropriate, costumes. They take candy from strangers. They are even allowed to ring the doorbells of strangers’ homes. <br /> Boca Raton’s men and women in blue want to remind parents and kids that while fun, Halloween can be dangerous. Here are four tips for kids and four tips for parents:<br />For kids: <br /> • Wear costumes with reflective fabric or carry flashlights or glow sticks. <br /> • Don’t eat any candy or treat that is open or unwrapped or that looks homemade. <br /> • Trick-or-treat in groups and stay with them. Walk on sidewalks. <br /> • Go only to houses where the outside lights are on. <br />For parents: <br /> • Accompany your children. <br /> • Make sure your child can see well out of any mask. If not, use makeup or face paint instead.<br /> • Inspect treats before letting your child eat anything. <br /> • Try to get the littlest children out and back home before dark.<strong><br /><br /></strong></p></div>Scenes of the Season: Of tricks and treats and Halloween funhttps://thecoastalstar.com/profiles/blogs/scenes-of-the-season-of-tricks-and-treats-and-halloween-fun2013-10-30T18:05:12.000Z2013-10-30T18:05:12.000ZChris Felkerhttps://thecoastalstar.com/members/ChrisFelker<div><p style="text-align:center;"><span><b>Photography by </b></span><b>Tim Stepien/The Coastal Star</b></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><b><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}7960464693,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}7960464693,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="562" class="align-center" alt="7960464693?profile=original" /></a></b></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><em>Lake Worth residents Anne Heggli (right) and Courtney Ricks take part in a Halloween volleyball game</em></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><em>on the beach Oct. 26 at Anchor Park in Delray Beach. </em></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}7960465082,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}7960465082,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="337" class="align-center" alt="7960465082?profile=original" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><em>Participants portray Native Americans Oct. 19 during ‘Halloween In The Hammock’</em></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><em>at Gumbo Limbo Nature Center in Boca Raton.</em></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}7960465459,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}7960465459,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="545" class="align-center" alt="7960465459?profile=original" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><em>Patches the Mermaid comes up for a breath at Mermaid Splash during Boynton Beach’s</em></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><em>Haunted Pirate Fest held Oct. 26 and 27.</em></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><em><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}7960465099,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}7960465099,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="576" class="align-center" alt="7960465099?profile=original" /></a></em></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><em>Patches takes a dive in her tank.</em></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}7960465666,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}7960465666,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="528" class="align-center" alt="7960465666?profile=original" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><em>Boys and ghouls of all ages march in a parade Oct. 26 along Atlantic Avenue</em></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><em>through downtown Delray Beach from Old School Square to Veterans Park.</em></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}7960465300,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}7960465300,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="528" class="align-center" alt="7960465300?profile=original" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><em>Ryan Lutwin, 9, catches a wave with the help of Batman, aka Eric Dernick, who runs Waves Surf Academy.</em></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><em>Ryan, who lives in Davie, was visiting his grandmother Audrey Dunn of Boynton Beach</em></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><em>on Oct. 26, when kids were treated to a free surf lesson in the ocean at Delray Beach.</em></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><em>The only catch: They had to wear a costume to participate in the ‘Monster Thrash Surf-Off.’</em></p></div>Paws Up for Pets: Have a scare-free Halloween with costume and candy precautionshttps://thecoastalstar.com/profiles/blogs/paws-up-for-pets-have-a-scare-free-halloween-with-costume-and-can2013-10-02T15:00:00.000Z2013-10-02T15:00:00.000ZChris Felkerhttps://thecoastalstar.com/members/ChrisFelker<div><p><em><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}7960466083,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}7960466083,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-center" width="538" alt="7960466083?profile=original" /></a></em></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><em>Costumed as bride and groom, these romantic pooches are all set</em></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><em>for Halloween (or a trot down the aisle).</em></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><span><b>Photo by Dean Payne</b></span></p>
<p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}7960465696,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}7960465696,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-center" width="316" alt="7960465696?profile=original" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><em>Bug-eyed and bushy-tailed, this photogenic doggie</em></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><em>is ready for treats and perhaps a trick or two.</em></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><span><b>File photo</b></span></p>
<p><span><b>By Arden Moore <br /></b></span></p>
<p> One of the biggest celebrated holidays — Halloween — is going to the dogs in a big way. Are you sitting down? According to a 2012 survey conducted by the National Retail Federation, Americans spent a record $370 million on pet costumes last year. </p>
<p> Now, that’s a lot of kibble. The money spent also signifies the growing trend of turning dogs (and some highly tolerant cats) into clothes hounds bound for costume parties here and all across the country. </p>
<p> Need a costume idea? Consider viewing the digital 38-page catalog of pet costumes on the website of Rubies Costumes, the world’s largest designer, manufacturer and distributor of Halloween costumes and accessories, based in Melville, N.Y.</p>
<p> “Our top seller for this year is the hot dog costume that features a bun on each side and fake mustard on the back,” reports Erin Breig, in charge of national sales for the pet line at Rubies. “But our hot dog costumes don’t just fit dachshunds. They now comfortably fit a tiny Chihuahua up to a Labrador retriever.”</p>
<p> Dressing pets up as ghosts, action or super heroes, witches, pumpkins, devils and bumble bees ranked among the most popular costumes last year. </p>
<p> Here in Palm Beach County, we know how to party with a purpose and with style at events year-round. If the invitation extends to our well-mannered pets, then the event is even more beckoning. </p>
<p> “Halloween can be a fun time for the whole family, but there are potential dangers and sources of stress for some pets when it comes to dressing for the occasion,” says Jo Jo Harder, the Boca Raton fashion designer who is the creator of America’s Top Dog Model contest. “A pet costume must fit well and remain securely in place. Tight clothing can impair circulation and a loose outfit can get tangled or cover the pet’s eyes.”</p>
<p> The key is to know your dog’s personality and not force him into wearing a costume, adds Kenneth Simmons, veterinarian and owner of Simmons Veterinary Hospital in Lake Worth. Each spring, he sponsors Pawigras, a customer-appreciation event that raises money for local pet charities. Some of the four-legged attendees come in costumes while others appear comfortable sporting only collars or harnesses.</p>
<p> “Test your dog’s reaction to wearing a costume first at home. If he starts shaking his head or pawing to remove hats or glasses on his head, remove these items,” says Simmons. “If he suddenly freezes in place or drops his head down, he probably isn’t a fan of wearing a costume.”</p>
<p> Simmons says to avoid any costumes with small items, such as buttons, that could be swallowed and choke a pet.</p>
<p> “Opt for Velcro attachments and never use duct tape to secure a costume in place because you can pull fur and even tear a dog’s skin,” he adds.</p>
<p> Equally important is to secure your pets in a safe, enclosed room with plenty of pet amenities when you answer the door to dole out candy to trick-or-treaters. Simmons encourages you to give your dog or cat plenty of exercise a few hours before the witching hour. Muffle the door bell sound by playing a radio or television in that room and offer pets some keep-busy toys.</p>
<p> Definitely, keep the Halloween candy out of paw’s reach. Simmons reports an uptick in appointments during the holiday season due to dogs consuming chocolate candy as well as the wrappers. Chocolate contains theobromine, an ingredient toxic to dogs that can cause diarrhea, vomiting, nerve damage and death, depending on the amount consumed, its concentration (dark chocolate is the most dangerous) and the size of the dog.</p>
<p> Final decoration tip: Forgo wax candles and opt for battery-operated candles, jack-o-lanterns and other Halloween decorations that can still illuminate a frightening theme without burning whiskers or tails. If you are fortunate to have an outgoing dog who digs costumes, then consider selecting matching outfits to sport at this year’s Halloween party invite. </p>
<p> “One of the biggest and newest Halloween trends in pet costumes is to come as a couple in outfits for you and your dog,” says Caolaidhe Lundy, store manager and pet fashionista of Barking Babies, in Vancouver, British Columbia. “Last year, for example, I went as Priscilla Presley and my dog, Scotty, a Pekinese cross, went as Elvis. He can’t sing like Elvis, but he can sure dance!”</p>
<p> Last year, my dogs — Chipper and Cleo — and I were decked out as ’80s rock stars, complete with striped leggings, colorful medallions and pink wigs. I’m not sure which one of us sported the widest grin. </p>
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<p><i>Arden Moore, founder of FourLeggedLife.com, is an animal behavior consultant, editor, author, professional speaker and master certified pet first aid instructor. Each week, she hosts the popular Oh Behave! show on PetLifeRadio.com. Learn more by visiting <a href="http://www.fourleggedlife.com">www.fourleggedlife.com</a>.</i></p></div>Tips to Make Halloween Safer for Your Childrenhttps://thecoastalstar.com/profiles/blogs/tips-to-make-halloween-safer-for-your-children2012-10-18T19:08:09.000Z2012-10-18T19:08:09.000ZMary Kate Leminghttps://thecoastalstar.com/members/MaryKateLeming769<div><div style="text-align:center;clear:both;font-size:1.2em;font-weight:600;"><font size="3">Tips to Make Halloween Safer for Your Children</font></div>
<p style="text-align:justify;"><strong>October 18, 2012</strong>: The City of Delray Beach wants everyone to have a safe and fun Halloween. It is one of the most exciting times of the year for children, but sometimes the most hectic for parents. The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) encourages parents to review the following tips to enjoy a safe and fun Halloween:</p>
<p style="text-align:justify;">1. Instruct your older children to TAKE FRIENDS when "Trick or Treating."</p>
<p style="text-align:justify;">2. Make sure a TRUSTED ADULT, an older child or you accompany your younger children when "Trick or Treating." A trusted adult is a person parents/guardians have come to rely on and with whom they and their children feel comfortable. Discuss with your child who will accompany them and make sure you are both comfortable with the choice.</p>
<p style="text-align:justify;">3. Accompany, or make sure a trusted adult accompanies, your younger children to the door of every home that they approach. Become familiar with each home your child visits and the people who are providing Halloween treats to your children.</p>
<p style="text-align:justify;">4. Teach your children to only enter homes with your prior permission and only approach homes that are well-lit, both inside and outside.</p>
<p style="text-align:justify;">5. Teach your children to NEVER approach a vehicle unless they are accompanied by you, even if it appears no one is inside the vehicle.</p>
<p style="text-align:justify;">6. Make sure your children wear reflective clothing and carry a flashlight or glow stick when traveling during the evening hours.</p>
<p style="text-align:justify;">7. Make sure your children are able to see and breathe properly and easily when using facial masks. All costumes and masks should be clearly marked as flame resistant.</p>
<p style="text-align:justify;">8. Teach your children to always stay in well-lit areas, never take shortcuts, and never go into isolated areas.</p>
<p style="text-align:justify;">9. Teach your children to stay alert for any suspicious incidents and report anything unusual to you and/or law enforcement.</p>
<p style="text-align:justify;">10. Teach your children, that if anyone tries to grab them to draw attention to themselves and loudly yell "This person is trying to take me," or "This person is not my father/mother." Instruct your children to make every effort to escape by walking, running or pulling away; yelling; kicking; attracting attention; and/or otherwise resisting.</p>
<p style="text-align:justify;">11. Consider organizing or attending parties at home, in schools or in community centers as a good alternative to "Trick or Treating."</p>
<p style="text-align:justify;">For more information, contact Sgt. Nicole Guerriero, Delray Beach Police Department Community Relations Officer, at (561) 243-7841 or E-mail <a target="_blank" href="mailto:Guerriero@mydelraybeach.com"><span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1350583835_0">Guerriero@mydelraybeach.com</span></a>.</p>
<p><em><strong>About the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children<br /></strong>The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children is a private, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization established in 1984 and serves as the nation's resource on the issues of missing and sexually exploited children. The organization provides information and resources to law enforcement, parents, children (including child victims) as well as other professionals and operates the toll-free 24 hour national missing children's hotline 1-800-THE-LOST. For more information, visit</em> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.missingkids.com"><em><span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1350583835_1">www.missingkids.com</span></em></a><em>.</em></p></div>Halloween Happeningshttps://thecoastalstar.com/profiles/blogs/halloween-happenings2012-10-03T14:16:14.000Z2012-10-03T14:16:14.000ZMary Kate Leminghttps://thecoastalstar.com/members/MaryKateLeming769<div><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="text-decoration:underline;"><strong><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}7960404060,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}7960404060,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="508" alt="7960404060?profile=original" /></a>October 6</strong></span><br /><strong>Saturday - 10/6 - Spooky Halloween Saturdays</strong> are held at The Ritz-Carlton, Palm Beach, 1000 S. Ocean Blvd., Manalapan throughout October. Gingerbread haunted house building, costumes, pumpkin decorating, candy and Halloween movies. Noon-4 pm. $80/child with gingerbread house building or purchase house building activity seperately for $25. 533-6000 6000 or <a href="http://www.ritzcarlton.com">www.ritzcarlton.com</a>.<br /><br /><span style="text-decoration:underline;"><strong>October 7-13</strong></span><br /><strong>Thursday - 10/11 - Fall Family Festival</strong> is held at the Boynton Beach City Library, 208 S. Seacrest Blvd. Features “Pumpkin Patty,” a mummy wrap, crafts and food. 6:45-8 pm. Free. 742-6390 or <a href="http://www.boyntonlibrary.org">www.boyntonlibrary.org</a>.<br /><strong>Saturday - 10/13 - Animal Encounters: Spooky Creatures</strong> at Daggerwing Nature Center, 11200 Park Access Road, Boca Raton. Meet some live “spooky” animals such as spiders, owls, and snakes. All ages. 1-1:45 pm. $3. Reservations: 629-8760.<br /><br /><span style="text-decoration:underline;"><strong>October 14-20</strong></span><br /><strong>Saturday - 10/20 - Halloween in the Hammock</strong> at Gumbo Limbo Nature Center, 1801 N. Ocean Blvd., Boca Raton. Join an hour-long nighttime nature walk with ghostly guides and ghouls. Walks departing every half hour from 6:30-9 pm. Ages 6 to adult. 6:30-10 pm. Advance: $7/members, $10 /non-members. Walk-ins: $15/person. Reservations: 544-8615.<br /><strong>10/20 - Kindermusik Halloween Party</strong> at Intracoastal Park Clubhouse, 2240 N. Federal Hwy., Boynton Beach. Ages 1-6 years. 11 am-noon. $5/resident; $8/non-resident. 742-6221.<br /><br /><span style="text-decoration:underline;"><strong>October 21-27</strong></span><br /><strong>Wednesday - 10/24-27 - Shriek Week & Trick or Treat Trail</strong> at Sugar Sand Park, 300 S. Military Trail, Boca Raton. Indoor black light games and family amusement area. W: 5-8 pm; Th-Sat.: 5-10 pm. Trick or Treat Trail: Stroll around the carousel where local businesses greet participants with candy and treats. W-Sat.: 5-8 pm. Free. 347-3948.<br /><strong>Thursday - 10/25 - It Came From the Library: Monstrous Makeovers</strong> for ages 13-17 is presented at the Boca Raton Public Library, 200 NW Boca Raton Blvd. Learn tricks for creating terrifying costumes and makeup in this hands-on workshop. 6:30-8 pm. Free. 393-7968 or <a href="http://www.bocalibrary.org">www.bocalibrary.org</a>.<br /><strong>10/25-11/4 - The Rocky Horror Show</strong> - Presented by Entr’Acte Theatrix at The Crest Theatre, 51 N. Swinton Ave., Delray Beach. W-Sat.: 8 pm; Sat. & Sun.: 2 pm; 10/28: 7 pm. $25/adults, $15/children under 12, $10/students with ID. 243-7922 Ext. 1.<br /><strong>Friday - 10/26 - Trick ‘Em Treat ‘Em Costume Party</strong> for children ages 2-5 at the James A. Rutherford Community Center, Patch Reef Park, 2000 Yamato Road, Boca Raton. Costume party with munchies, mayhem, games and more. 10 am-noon. $5/child. 367-7035.<br /><strong>10/26 - Freaky Friday Tennis</strong> at The Racquet Center, 21626 St. Andrews Blvd., Boca Raton. For adults ages 17 & up. Best costume contest, Scary Goblin Round Robin. Warm up with a pro, doubles play, and lunch on the patio. 10:30 am-noon. $10/permit holder; $13/resident, $15/non-resident. 367-7095.<br /><strong>10/26 - Pumpkin Patty’s Fall Fantasy Show and Costume Parade</strong> at the Boca Raton Public Library, 200 N.W. Boca Raton Blvd. Children 8 years and younger must be accompanied by an adult. 3:30-4:30 pm. Free. 393-7968 or <a href="http://www.bocalibrary.org">www.bocalibrary.org</a>.<br /><strong>10/26 - Annual Halloween Spook-tacular</strong> - Enjoy an evening of games, dancing, face painting, candy and more at the Ezell Hester Jr. Center, 1901 N. Seacrest Blvd., Boynton Beach. For children ages 5-12. 6-8 pm. Free. 742-6550.<br /><strong>10/26 - 5th Annual Halloween “BOO”ardwalk Event</strong> at Daggerwing Nature Center, 11200 Park Access Road, Boca Raton. Bring your costumed kids and take a walk on the non-scary “Boo”ardwalk! Inside, take part in fun Halloween activities and crafts whiule learning about some spooky creatures of the night. Bring a flashlight to see what creatures you can find in the swamp. Bug spray recommended. All ages. 6:30-8:30 pm. Free. 629-8760 or <a href="http://www.daggerwing.org">www.daggerwing.org</a>. <br /><strong>Saturday - 10/27 - Tennis Halloween Party</strong> at Patch Reef Park, 2000 Yamato Road, Boca Raton. Kids wear costumes to this fun clinic for all levels. Featuring games, prizes and music. For ages 5-10. 10-11:30 am. $3. 367-7090.<br /><strong>10/27 - Halloween Crafts</strong> at Daggerwing Nature Center, 11200 Park Access Road, Boca Raton. Make a variety of Halloween-themed crafts. Ages 5-10. 10:30-11:15 am. $4. 629-8760.<br /><strong>10/27 - Not-So-Scary Halloween</strong> at Sandoway House Nature Center, 142 S. Ocean Blvd., Delray Beach. Halloween-themed storytime, shark feeding, noncturnal creatures of the sea, reptiles & amphibians, owl pellet dissection, crafts and activities all day. 10 am-3 pm. $4/ages 3 and up. 274-7263.<br /><strong>10/27 - Monster Mash</strong> at The Swim Center, 21618 St. Andrews Blvd., Boca Raton. Come in costume, bring a swim suit or both. Activities held in and out of water. Featuring trick-or-treating, bounce house, face painting, popcorn and more. For ages 6 & up. 11 am-1 pm. Free. 544-8542 or <a href="http://www.ci.boca-raton.fl.us">www.ci.boca-raton.fl.us</a>.<br /><strong>10/27 - Trick-or-Treating Along the Avenue</strong> is held on Atlantic Ave. between Swinton Avenue and the Intracoastal Waterway. 11:30 am-1 pm. Free. 279-1380 ext. 17 or <a href="http://www.mydelraybeach.com">www.mydelraybeach.com</a>.<br /><strong>10/27 - Halloween Kidsfest</strong> of Delray at Veterans Park, 802 NE 1st St., Delray Beach. Family event highlights children’s services and organizations, targeting health, safety and fun. Live entertainment for everyone, a make-and-take craft area and more. 1-4 pm. Free. 243-7277.<br /><strong>10/27 - Halloween Parade</strong> at Old School Square Park (east side of Museum), 51 N. Swinton Ave., Delray Beach. Awards given for best costumes. Parade begins at 1:30 pm and marches along Atlantic Ave. to Veterans Park, 802 NE 1st St. 1-2 pm. Free. 279-1380 ext. 17.<br /><strong>10/27-28 - Boynton Beach Haunted Pirate Fest</strong> is held long E. Ocean Ave. between Seacrest Blvd. and NE 1st Ave. Grab your mateys for a two-day festival of “pirate-themed” family fun along Ocean Avenue. Featuring continuous entertainment, live music, food & drink. Haunted House presented by Schoolhouse Children’s Museum: $5 admission proceeds to benefit the Museum. 10 am-5 pm. Free. 742-6246.<br /><br /><strong><span style="text-decoration:underline;">October 28-31</span></strong><br /><strong>Saturday - 10/28 - Ghouls & Goblins Concert</strong> is performed by the Youth Orchestra of Palm Beach County at the Delray Center <strong>for the Arts at Old School Square, 51 N. Swinton Ave., Delray Beach. 6-8 pm. Free. 243-7922.</strong><br /><strong>Sunday - 10/29 - Halloween Drop-in Craft Day</strong> at the Boynton Beach City Library, 208 S. Seacrest Blvd. Make a Halloween craft. Materials provided. Grades K-4. 4:30-5:30 pm. 742-6393.<br /><strong>Monday - 10/30 - Halloween Costume Parade & Storytime</strong> is held at the Boynton Beach City Library, 208 S. Seacrest Blvd. For infants-age 5. Wear a Halloween costume and participate in a “not-so-spooky” parade, listen to Halloween stories and dance to Halloween songs. 10-11 am. Free. 742-6390.<br />1<strong>0/30 - Halloween Party</strong> for grades 6-12 is presented at the Boynton Beach City Library, 208 S. Seacrest. Featuring mask making, spooktacular games and gholish treats. Wear a costume if you dare! 5:30-7 pm. Free. 742-6390.<br /> at the Senior Center, 1021 S. Federal Hwy., Boynton Beach. 1-3 pm. $3. 742-6570.<br /><br /></p></div>Halloween Picks: Pumpkins and ghosts dominate October eventshttps://thecoastalstar.com/profiles/blogs/halloween-picks-pumpkins-and-ghosts-dominate-october-events2011-09-28T22:00:00.000Z2011-09-28T22:00:00.000ZMary Kate Leminghttps://thecoastalstar.com/members/MaryKateLeming769<div><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}7960349075,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}7960349075,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="360" alt="7960349075?profile=original" /></a><em>Say Boo! to Halloween with everything from ghostly hauntings to pumpkin-inspired meals and cocktails.</em><br /><br /> A not too scary place to start is at “<strong>Halloween in the Hammock</strong>” at <strong>The Gumbo Limbo Nature Center</strong> in Boca Raton on Oct. 22. Take a mysterious (but not frightening) stroll through the hammock where visitors have the opportunity to find spiders, snakes, ancient shell middens and maybe other surprises the hammock has hidden. There’s also an hour-long nighttime nature walk with ghostly guides and ghouls. <br /> Walks will depart every half hour from 6:30-9 pm. For age 6 to adult, but children must be accompanied by an adult. Advance: $7 for members, $10 for non-members. Walk-ins (if available): $15 per person. Reservations and pre-payment requested at least three days in advance; space is limited. See <a href="http://www.gumbolimbo.org" target="_blank">www.gumbolimbo.org</a>.<br />On Oct 28, <strong>Trick ’Em Treat ’Em Costume Party</strong> for children ages 2-5 will be held at the <strong>James A. Rutherford Community Center</strong>, Patch Reef Park, 2000 Yamato Road, Boca Raton. The costume party includes munchies, mayhem, games and more. 10 a.m.-noon. Free. For more details, call 367-7035 or see <a href="http://www.bocaboodays.com" target="_blank">www.bocaboodays.com</a>.<br />Get in to the swim of things during <strong>Monster Mash</strong> — at <strong>The Swim Center,</strong> 21618 St. Andrews Blvd., Boca Raton on Oct. 29. Come in costume, bring a swim suit. Activities will be held in and out of water. Featuring trick-or-treating, bounce house, face painting, popcorn and more. For ages 6 and up. 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Free. 544-8542 or <a href="http://www.ci.boca-raton.fl.us" target="_blank">www.ci.boca-raton.fl.us</a>.<br />On Oct. 30, ages 9-14 can participate in a <strong>Special Halloween Workshop: Horror Claymation</strong> at <strong>Sugar Sand Park</strong>, 300 S. Military Trail, Boca Raton. Participants make thier own Horror Claymation Movie while learning about story boarding, set design and character design, stop-motion animation and post production, including sound effects, voices, music and titles. Materials and equipment included. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. $60/residents, $75/non-residents. 347-3901 or <a href="http://www.sugarsandpark.org">www.sugarsandpark.org</a>.<br />At <strong>Mizner Park Amphitheater</strong> catch a bewitching stage show complete with a large cast of “scary” dancers, “ghoulish” singers and thrilling magical illusions on Oct. 28. <strong>The Spook-Tacular Stage Show</strong> is free, but please don’t bring coolers, chairs, pets, umbrellas, outside food or beverages or backpacks. Produced by ZMC Entertainment, the show is 7-9 pm. For more information call 393-7827.<br />There’s plenty more stuff for the big kids, too. <strong>The Boca Raton Resort & Club’s Cielo Restaurant</strong> will host the <strong>Tower Bar of Terror</strong> with a Halloween celebration at 8 p.m. Oct. 29. There also will be a <strong>Teen Scream</strong> party at 8 p.m. Oct. 29 with (non-alcoholic) mysterious mocktails. The events are only open to club members and resort guests.<br />The resort’s “Uniquely Boca” package is good through Oct. 10 and its Waldorf Astoria Luxury Fall Escapes is good through Dec. 15. Visit <a href="http://www.bocaresort.com" target="_blank">www.bocaresort.com</a>.<br /> <strong>The Ritz-Carlton Palm Beach</strong> is going pumpkin crazy in October, with such things as pumpkin muffins and pancakes for breakfast; pumpkin bisque, pumpkin ale and pumpkin ravioli for dinner; and pumpkin cookies, pumpkin ice cream and pumpkin crème brûlée for dessert.<br /> The resort’s <strong>Eau Spa by Cornelia</strong> is even getting into the act with a Pumpkin Perfecting Facial ($220). “Pumpkin is a super-ingredient for the skin and a powerful anti-oxidant,” said Spa Director Kristin Carpenter, “it is high in zinc, beta carotene, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and Vitamin A so not only does it help fight the free radicals that are believed to cause aging but it is also acts as a natural cleanser that exfoliates, soothes and softens your skin. Plus, it smells good enough to eat.” <br /> The Ritz-Carlton Palm Beach also is hosting a sweet treat <strong>Cupcake Tea and Costume Party</strong> on Oct. 22 featuring Great Pumpkin Cupcake and Vampire’s Blood Red Velvet Cupcakes. The event is from 1 to 3 p.m. Reservations are required. The price is $50 for adults and $35 for children. Visit <a href="http://www.ritzcarlton/palmbeach.com" target="_blank">www.ritzcarlton/palmbeach.com</a>.<br /><em>— Staff Report</em></div>Happy Halloween Tailshttps://thecoastalstar.com/profiles/blogs/happy-halloween-tails2011-09-28T19:30:00.000Z2011-09-28T19:30:00.000ZMary Kate Leminghttps://thecoastalstar.com/members/MaryKateLeming769<div><p style="text-align:center;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}7960350500,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}7960350500,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="576" alt="7960350500?profile=original" /></a><em>See photos of more dogs dressed for <a href="http://thecoastalstar.ning.com/photo/photo/slideshow?albumId=2331112:Album:53241">Halloween</a></em></p>
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<p>By Deborah S. Hartz-Seeley<br /><br />Pumpkins, ghosts, witches, devils. This Halloween, these are not only popular costumes for people but also for their pets.<br />“Buying a costume for your pet is a feel-good sort of thing,” says Kimberly Curler, owner of Waggs to Riches in Delray Beach. “Many people get more fun and satisfaction from outfitting their dogs than they do from dressing themselves.” <br />Even in our down economy, people are decking out their dogs for trick or treat. “It gets bigger and bigger every year,” says Caroline Clore, owner of Paws on the Avenue in Lake Worth. <br />And it’s not just the pet owners who seem to enjoy getting into the holiday spirit. <br />“When the dogs are in costume, they prance around. I think they know how cute they look,” says Debbie Broyles, owner of Fins Furs ’n’ Feathers in Boca Raton. <br />One of this year’s hot costumes is a mermaid outfit that features purple sequins and an aqua tail, Broyles says. It’s only been on sale for a week at Fins Furs ’n’ Feathers but needs to be reordered. At Paws on the Avenue, a pirate’s costume fitted with golden buttons and red satin trim on the coat and pantaloons shows great promise, Clore says. <br />But the fun doesn’t stop there. <br />Bumble bees, pink and blue butterflies and polka-dot lady bugs are also popular attire. Animal options include a lamb, a pink pig, a gray elephant complete with trunk and a black-and-white spotted panda — all to dress your dog. <br />“When dressing up their pets, people like little cutesy things,” says Clore. “They look for something unique.”<br />For the furry friends of foodies, there’s a taco costume complete with pepper strips and shredded cheese, two peas in a pod and a plump hot dog on a bun with a tempting zigzag of mustard and ketchup. Your dog will look good enough to eat.<br />The costumes are easy to put on and take off because they are made with Velcro. “You can get them on the most unruly dog,” Clore says.<br />And they are designed to fit just about any breed including the two mutts, Junior, 11, and Winky, 13, that Clore rescued.<br />“They are hysterical on pets from a Chihuahua to a golden retriever to a Rottweiler. They come in all sizes,” Curler adds.<br />Most costumes provide something to cover the body plus headgear. Take the Mickey Mouse costume that includes brown, yellow and red pants and mouse ears for your pooch’s pate. <br />Instead of purchasing Halloween dress, some pet owners like to make costumes for their pups. <br />Clore recalls a past Halloween when she saw a dog dressed up like a lint trap. Socks and a T-shirt were attached like static-filled clothing from the dryer.<br />She also had a customer who set up a Chiquita Banana theme by dressing five Chihuahuas as bananas and letting them run around in a bunch. <br />Another put a caped terrier into a model airplane, turning him into Snoopy and the Red Baron.<br />If you don’t want an outfit that’s quite so elaborate, you can purchase a T-shirt or fanciful collar instead. <br />Collars come embroidered with skull, crossbones and yellow cutlass. Or get one that resembles a colorful jester’s collar complete with pompoms.<br />“That way, you can make a small investment and still be part of the party,” Clore says.<br />Of course, a big part of Halloween fun is the treats made specifically to tempt your furry friends. <br />“They sell like crazy,” says Curler, who is “mom” to two Chihuahuas, Lilly, 4, and Rosie, 6.<br />Aunt JoAnn’s Gourmet Dog Biscuits supplies treats to local shops that are located in Boca Raton. The company offers a line of organic baked goods for dogs. <br />At Halloween, company owners Linda Barie and Donna Bowers shape and bake 3-D spider cookies from biscuit dough. They decorate them with orange candied yogurt. <br />“Dogs get ahold of them and really like them,” Barie says. The women also make dog-friendly cookies cut into shapes such as pumpkins, candy corn, black cats and ghosts.<br />And just for fun, you also can find plush squeaky toys with a holiday theme. Think a fuzzy pumpkin your dog can open up to find smaller pumpkin plush toys inside. There also are witches that cackle when squeezed, as well as spiders, snakes and ghosts.<br />Some costumes come with a plush toy as part of its gear. If you dress your pup in the Hugh Hefner costume from Waggs to Riches, he’ll not only get a red satin smoking jacket but also a squeaky toy pipe. Then there’s the furry brown monkey costume that comes with a plush toy banana. <br />Now that your dog is in disguise, you’ll want to show him off. <br />This is the 12th year Paws on the Avenue is hosting a Halloween party. It will run noon to 6 p.m. on Oct. 29 on L Street next to the shop in Lake Worth. There will be a costume contest, of course, as well as other games and treats.<br />At Fins Furs ’n’ Feathers, pet owners who bring in a dog wearing a costume on Halloween will receive extra dog treats plus a 15 percent discount on anything in the store besides dog or cat food.<br />And, at Waggs to Riches, they’ll be welcoming those costumed kids and their pets who participate in Trick or Treat Along the Avenue in Delray Beach on Oct. 29.<br />The storeowners enjoy hosting their customers and their dogs who take Halloween seriously.<br />“I love how people get creative about costumes for their pets,” says Clore. “Every year they try to create something even better than the year before.” </p></div>Halloween: Pumpkins and ghosts dominate October eventshttps://thecoastalstar.com/profiles/blogs/halloween-pumpkins-and-ghosts-dominate-october-events2011-09-28T18:30:00.000Z2011-09-28T18:30:00.000ZMary Kate Leminghttps://thecoastalstar.com/members/MaryKateLeming769<div><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}7960349075,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}7960349075,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="360" alt="7960349075?profile=original" /></a><em>Say Boo! to Halloween with everything from ghostly hauntings to pumpkin-inspired meals and cocktails.</em></p>
<p><br /> A good place to start for those who like things that bump in the night? Try the <strong>Lake Worth Playhouse</strong>. It’s said to be haunted by one its founders — <strong>Lucien Oakley</strong> — who also died there. <br /> Maybe Oakley will be in attendance when the Playhouse presents <em><strong>Little Shop of Horrors</strong></em>, Oct. 6-9, Oct. 15-16 and Oct. 22-23. There will be matinee and evening performances. <br /> There also is an Oct. 6 pre-show dinner at <strong>Paradiso Italian Restaurant</strong> in Lake Worth before the 8 p.m. show. The dinner and show are $50 per person. <br /> Tickets are $26-$30 for individual and regular performances; $23-$27 for the preview performance; and $28-$32 for the opening night gala. On the Web at <a href="http://www.lakeworthplayhouse.com" target="_blank">www.lakeworthplayhouse.com</a>.<br /> The motto in Delray Beach is “You Haven’t Lived ’Til You’ve Been Scared To Death” at the annual <strong>Haunted Halls of Horror</strong>. Presented by the Parks and Recreation Department as a fundraiser for Hugs Not Drugs, the event is an interactive walk-through haunted house for ages 8 to 80. <br /> It’s held at the <strong>Delray Beach Community Center</strong>, and a free child waiting area is offered for families. Hours are 7-11 p.m. on Oct. 28-29 and 7-10 p.m. on Oct. 30. The Community Center is at 50 NW First Ave. On the Web at <a href="http://www.hauntedhallsofhorror.com" target="_blank">www.hauntedhallsofhorror.com</a>.<br /> <strong>The Gumbo Limbo Nature Center</strong> in Boca Raton is hosting “<strong>Halloween in the Hammock</strong>” on Oct. 22. A mysterious (but not frightening) stroll through the hammock awaits visitors, who will have the opportunity to find spiders, snakes, ancient shell middens and maybe other surprises the hammock has hidden. There’s also an hour-long nighttime nature walk with ghostly guides and ghouls. <br /> Walks will depart every half hour from 6:30-9 pm. For age 6 to adult, but children must be accompanied by an adult. Advance: $7 for members, $10 for non-members. Walk-ins (if available): $15 per person. Reservations and pre-payment requested at least three days in advance; space is limited. See <a href="http://www.gumbolimbo.org" target="_blank">www.gumbolimbo.org</a>.<br /> There’s plenty more stuff for the big kids, too. <br /> <strong>The Breakers Palm Beach</strong> gets into the Halloween spirit (pardon the pun) with a special October rate beginning at $319 per room. <br /> The legendary beachfront resort will serve a specialty dessert of Rum Almond Cake with Caramelized Apples, Pumpkin Ice Cream and Cinnamon Anglaise Sauce in each of its restaurants. In addition, Halloween-inspired desserts will be featured during Sunday brunch.<br /> The resort will also feature Halloween-themed drinks in its bars and restaurants. Some of the drinks featured will include the Hauntini in the <strong>Tapestry Bar</strong>; Pumpkin Caipirihna and Caramel Apple Martini in the <strong>Flagler Steakhouse</strong>; and the Silk Spider Web Martini and Echo Zombie at <strong>Echo</strong>.<br /> The Breakers’ activities department is providing Halloween-inspired activities for guests and club members from Oct. 29-Nov. 1, including hayrides, holiday crafts and trick or treating. See <a href="http://www.thebreakers.com">www.thebreakers.com</a>.<br /> <strong>The Ritz-Carlton Palm Beach</strong> is going pumpkin crazy in October, with pumpkin muffins and pancakes for breakfast; pumpkin bisque, pumpkin ale and pumpkin ravioli for dinner; and pumpkin cookies, pumpkin ice cream and pumpkin crème brûlée for dessert.<br /> The resort’s <strong>Eau Spa by Cornelia</strong> is even getting into the act with a Pumpkin Perfecting Facial ($220). </p>
<p>The Ritz also is hosting a sweet treat <strong>Cupcake Tea and Costume Party</strong> on Oct. 22 with a costume contest, face painting and magic tricks. Plus ghostly-good Great Pumpkin and Vampire’s Blood Red Velvet Cupcakes. The event is from 1 to 3 p.m. Reservations are required. The price is $50 for adults and $35 for children. Visit <a href="http://www.ritzcarlton/palmbeach.com" target="_blank">www.ritzcarlton/palmbeach.com</a>.<br /><em>— Staff Report</em></p></div>The tangled webs we weave... on the table!https://thecoastalstar.com/profiles/blogs/the-tangled-webs-we-weave-on2010-09-29T20:00:00.000Z2010-09-29T20:00:00.000ZMary Kate Leminghttps://thecoastalstar.com/members/MaryKateLeming769<div><br /><p style="text-align:center;"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}7960304265,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="" /></p>
<span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:'Minion Pro';">Banana spiders are taking over South Florida. But with Halloween almost here, don’t be scared. Be<br />
daring. Put arachnids to good use in our spider-inspired holiday treats.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Other spider recipes: <a href="http://thecoastalstar.ning.com/forum/topics/web-101">Web 101</a> | <a href="http://thecoastalstar.ning.com/forum/topics/spider-web-soup">Spider Web Soup</a> | <a href="http://thecoastalstar.ning.com/forum/topics/spider-sundae">Spider Sundae</a> | <a href="http://thecoastalstar.ning.com/forum/topics/spider-and-ice">Spider and Ice</a> | <a href="http://thecoastalstar.ning.com/forum/topics/buy-buy">Best Buy</a></span><br /><br /></span>
<b style="font-weight:bold;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:'Minion Pro';">Spider Bread Bowl for a Crowd:</span></b> <span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:'Minion Pro';">Begin with an unsliced 8-inch round loaf of bread — you pick the variety. Horizontally slice off the top third of the loaf to create a round of bread; set aside.<br />
Scoop the soft bread out from inside the loaf leaving about 1/2 inch of shell (use the bread for dipping, croutons or fresh breadcrumbs).</span><br />
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<span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:'Minion Pro';">Place the scooped loaf, which is the body of the spider, on a large platter. Place the top of the loaf resting on the edge of the loaf but hanging off onto the plate as the head of the spider.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:'Minion Pro';">For legs, begin with eight long thin carrots. Trim each carrot to 7 1/2 inches long measured from its pointed tip.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:'Minion Pro';">Measure 4 1/2 inches from the tip and cut the carrot in 2 pieces (the second piece should be 3 inches long). Take two toothpicks and insert one in each end of the 3-inch carrot piece so about half the toothpicks are secure in the carrot while the other half of each toothpick protrudes.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:'Minion Pro';">Working with the other piece of carrot, slice its cut end at a 45 degree angle.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:'Minion Pro';">Take your piece of carrot with toothpicks and insert the toothpick projecting from the thinner end of the carrot straight into the end of the angled piece of carrot. When the two pieces meet and are secured by the toothpick, gently bend the toothpick (it should crack but no<span style="color:#FF0000;">t</span> break) to form a leg with an angle in it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:'Minion Pro';">Insert the toothpick at the other end of the carrot leg into the side of the scooped bread loaf. Repeat to make and place a total of eight carrot “legs.”</span><br />
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<span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:'Minion Pro';">Use black olives, stuffed green olives, slices of plum tomatoes or whatever you like to create a spider face on the top of the loaf. Secure to the top with toothpicks.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:'Minion Pro';">Now you can fill your bread bowl with whatever you like: spinach dip, cheese dip, tuna fish salad, whatever. If at serving time you want to serve it as a sandwich, replace the top of the loaf over the fillings and cut into wedges.</span><br />
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<i><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:'Minion Pro';">You can reach Deborah S. Hartz-Seeley at debhartz@att.net.</span></i><br />
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