Trick or Treat

With the market correcting, interest rates rising, and a potential recession looming, there's good reason to be spooked, but let's give these scary circumstances a break for the week, and celebrate those who joyfully decorate their pets, kids and houses, in spite of market events that keep a few of us awake at night . . . .

Happy Halloween. Americans spent nearly $10.14 billion on the ghoulish holiday in 2021 - a record high - with an estimated $10.6 billion in spending set for 2022. The average amount Halloween celebrants will spend on costumes, candy, decorations, and greeting cards per person is estimated at $100. (Sounds about right.)

In Olmstead Falls, Ohio, Alan Perkins has taken the concept of "decorating" to a whole new level, crafting larger-than-life hands, skulls, and skeletons to decorate his spooky house with a little help from his children, who are likely, the most popular kids in school this time of year, thanks to their uber-creative dad! 

It's literally an over-the-top display that has gained national attention, attracting thousands of onlookers to the neighborhood each year, while raising funds for St Jude's Hospital. Hats off to this self-taught DIYer who has embraced the Halloween holiday wholeheartedly and eschewed friendly jack-o-lanterns in favor of scary bones and eyeballs. It's a welcome distraction with a warm-hearted touch. Trick or treat!

Closer to home, Piedmont has its own share of whacky, scary, and festive Halloween displays while just a few short blocks away in Oakland, a sea of trick-of-treaters of all ages converge on Trestle Glen in Crocker Highlands on Hallows Eve. Berkeley's Russell Street, just below the Claremont Resort, closes the streets to hold its annual "Spooktacular" block party. In short, there's no shortage of homeowners and neighborhoods who embrace this holiday with complete abandon, great imagination, and a commitment to community. 

But if it's a tamer version you're seeking, The Oakland Zoo' s Glowfari tickets go on sale November 1 at 9:00am.  Back again by popular demand, this family-friendly experience features hundreds of all-new, larger-than-life animal lanterns throughout the Zoo. Each lantern tells the story of the ongoing journey of wildlife, the importance of every species on our planet, and Oakland Zoo's commitment to conservation.

Finally, from San Jose to San Francisco, there are a plethora of haunted houses, ghost tours, and theme parks decked out for the occasion, so grab a date and enjoy some supernatural fun. After the COVID lockdown of the last few years, it's time to get our "spook" on. (The market can wait until next week.)

Boo!