With Halloween just around the corner, many people are eagerly preparing for the widely-celebrated holiday. Haunted houses are open for thrills, Jack-O’- Lanterns are waiting to be carved and young children are eager to dress up to travel door to door for delicious treats. Halloween is known as a time for spooky movies and candy corn, but as the 31st draws near, many take a trip down memory lane and revisit old traditions. 

Rebecca Esposito, math teacher at Hinsdale Central, reflects back on her experience with her children during Halloween.

“My son wanted to be Darth Vader, and my daughter was Princess Leia. She had really long hair, and instead of doing the wig… we did the buns with her hair… they looked adorable,” Esposito said.

Kids aren’t the only ones who love to celebrate the holiday. Parents are also eager to bring Halloween spirit into their lives by participating in town activities.  

One local activity this year is reminiscent of the Wicked Witch in “The Wizard of Oz”, mixing sweets and a workout to help the community of Clarendon Hills, Ill. 

“This year, I am riding in the Clarendon Hills witches’ ride on Oct. 30 at 4 p.m,” said Angie Ursillo, mother of Ellie Ursillo, junior. “Along with 300 moms, we witches will ride our broomsticks (bikes) all around town to bring Halloween candy, spooks, and cheer to all of the kids.”

If you are interested in getting involved, click here. 

Junior Katie Poulos had many nostalgic Halloween stories to share, but her top one includes an eerie maze obstacle. 

“My favorite Halloween memory was a haunted maze in middle school. It was a maze and part of it went through the forest. My friends and I would run away from the scary characters in the maze. I always had a fun time participating in Halloween activities,” Poulos said. 

While teachers, parents, and students reflect on their past Halloween activities, shops exhibit decorations and festive items in hopes of spreading cheer. Many grocery stores have a promising Halloween themed aisle, filled with Halloween trinkets galore. If you are searching for knickknacks to collect and put around your house, local stores are stocked and ready for your business. Now is the perfect time to start building your Halloween memories for years to come.