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Washington Evening Journal
111 North Marion Avenue
Washington, IA 52353
319-653-2191
Halloween Fun has begun
Southeast Iowa Union offers audio versions of articles using Instaread. Some words may be mispronounced.
As Halloween celebrations began in New London, all sorts of trivia questions regarding the holiday emerge. For example, What’s another name for a lycanthrope? (answer at end of article.)
Wednesday afternoon at the Nugen Library, the after-school program featured several craft tables. Students made decorations for the library. Spider webs and paper mâché pumpkins were among the many clever ideas. Traditional treat-giving began Saturday, Oct. 26, in the parking lots at Ray’s Specialty Meats and New London Specialty Care, where princesses, dinosaurs, superheroes and witches appeared as well. The New London Specialty Care residents went all-out. They were dressed festively and greeted all the visitors. A pumpkin decorating contest resulted a wonderful display or original ideas. Visitors were asked to vote for a favorite.
Halloween has evolved throughout the centuries. Once known as The Festival of Samhain, trick-or-treating evolved from an old tradition called “going a-souling.” Children went from door to door soliciting food and treats. In the 1990s, trunk or treat began. Concerns regarding the safety of door to door soliciting ignited the event. There were reports of altered and unsafe candy. Dark streets and intersections concerned parents and drivers as children walked between homes wearing masks which limited vision. For adults, trunk or treating is an ideal time to choose a favorite costume, show creativity by decorating the trunk of a car and greet friends and community.
Another chance to dress in costume as your favorite Character occurs when New London observes the traditional All Saint’s Eve, October 31. Trunk or treats will be available at the City Park and VFW. Door-to-door visits are welcome between 5 and 7 p.m. Please call on homes where the porch light is on welcoming costumed hoards. The Lions Club will have free hot dogs available for tricks or treaters at the City Park from 5 p.m. until gone.
What’s another name for a lycanthrope? Answer: A werewolf!
Happy Halloween!
