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Halloween

October Edition 2017

A lot of effort goes into the one night. Costumes, Make Up, Decorations, Pumpkin Carving and Treats.

If you've kids then you're likely to enjoy the night with your hyper excited children eager to dress up and gather sweets that could last them until Christmas.

Perhaps you've no kids and prefer to hide in darkness pretending your not home to avoid being fleeced for treats.

Capture the Moment

Last year the evening 'Trick or Treat' parade around the streets of Bailis Downs was captured on camera. It was so popular that it'll hopefully happen again this year. It was a great opportunity to record the brilliant costumes, extravagant makeup and lots of families were dressing up alongside their children and getting into the spirit of the event.

We'd like you to do the same:

Photo Competition

Simply send us some of your Halloween photos taken on the night. We'll publish a selection and we have 3 prizes on offer:

a Studio Photography Session with a Print from John Shortt Photography.
Mystery Prize from Aoife Donne MUA
Cakes from Baked By Niamh

The photo you send us must be of 'Halloween in Johnstown' and capture something about the event such as your Pumpkin Carving, your family in Costume or your house Decorations.

Here's a few scenes from last year.

Many will now be rushing to the shops before costumes sell out. The creative parents will be gathering accessories whilst the last minute parents will soon be deciding on which bed sheet to transform into floating ghosts or if last year's school uniform can be transformed and destroyed.

House Decorations

There's no shortage of cobwebs, spiders, banners and decorations available from the shops but some of the home made versions are very simple yet effective.

Window silhouettes made from card or if you're high tech there are projector videos to shine against the blinds. Colour light bulbs or gel sheets give a dramatic effect.

Black card cut into shapes and taped to the window.

Repetitive shapes created by layering several sheets together before cutting.

Garden decorations can be quick to put together and adding a few key features, lights and sounds boost the effect.

Pumpkins & Lanterns

With Irish origins the Jack O Lantern would traditionally have made from turnips and potatoes. Luckily the pumpkin gained favour with the Americans and is so much easier to carve. These no doubt will be in the shops shortly but keep them cool if you buy early and want them to last until the night.

There are many guides on YouTube and sites offering free templates to help you create your own. There are some highly intricate and artistic designs if you have the skills, patience and time.

With so many on display here's some examples from last year.

An alternative to carving pumpkins is to use a tea light inside a milk carton with a dozen lined up on the wall making an effective display.

Fireworks

We're not going to dwell on these since most unofficial displays cause controversy and are illegal.

Simply have respect for your neighbours and have a safe night.

Events

This year looks like one of the most exciting with several planned events throughout the month around Co. Meath. These you can find in the link www.SpiritOfMeath.com. There's a good summary in their Brochure Here

Unfortunately very few are local and some need to be booked in advance. There are Spooky Family things to do and a few Scary Adult activities such as the Navan Drive in Movie: www.screamfest.ie