Spooks and Spirits

The season is upon us. Ocracoke celebrates Halloween like no where else – anywhere, ever. The pumpkins are starting to sprout about the village, a few yards are filling with decorations, and the events are being announced. Seems like Ocracoke has had a long time love affair with Halloween. It is probably one of the few communities that still host a school carnival and most folks come out for the fun and to support the school. This year will be no exception. Friday, October 28 the festivities begin with the costume parade around the school flag pool at 3:30. This is always a fun time as the students show off their costumes which are not the usual Halloween garb mostly seen across the country. Ocracoke doesn’t have any big box stores that sell “ready made outfits”. Instead folks make their costumes. Moms and Dads dress the small ones, with much pride. The costumes range from a sheet made into a cute little ghost, an elaborate creative affair, to a hand me down from an older sibling. Pets are often accessories – dogs become cows or ponies. Prizes that are donated by local businesses are awarded by age group. Ask any student, an ice cream cone never tasted as good as a one that is won.

After the parade the school opens the doors to step back in time. A school carnival that could be seen on an old Andy Griffith show becomes alive. The old gymnasium is full of booths that challenge your skills. A favorite is pitching the fish (pillows) into laundry baskets – just like the fisherman men still do (well maybe they don’t toss from 10 feet or so, but the same idea of fish in baskets). There is a spot to pound the nail in the hard hard wood, a quarter toss, a go fish booth, a basketball toss, and even tattoos and fortune telling. The games charge a ticket or two, equaling a quarter to fifty cents. And of course my all time favorite is the bake sale. These Ocracokers take their bake sales serious – so many mighty fine sweets are to be found here. Some years folks are recruited to raise money – as in a few years ago – folks were sat in a wheel chair and given a bed pan to wheel around begging for donations to “release them” from their capture. Of course the pie throw is always a favorite, and then to really sweeten the evening, a cake walk follows the carnival. I’m not talking Pillsbury out of the box (although nothing wrong with that…) but I’m talking homemade delicious gourmet delights. Mmmmmm good.
This year, Saturday night, October 29 the Pub and Gaffers are both hosting a Halloween Party. Now talk about some fun outrageous costumes. I think some folks start planning and working on their costumes in July. And as I said before – these are homemade creative fun statements. I can’t wait.

Amongst all this fun, the youngsters also trick or treat on Halloween evening around the lighthouse area of the village. The Castle is a highlight for treats – and tricks. The place is decorated to the hilt and some fine sweets are in abundance. The kids seem to enjoy this almost as much as the staff enjoys doing it. I’ve heard those fun ladies that work at the Castle discussing different plans – so can’t wait to see what all occurs.

Make sure you make your plans to come join us at the Castle. If you live near by, stop by for some fun or if you live off island – plan to come spend a night or two. A spirit like me won’t scare you – I promise. You won’t even know I’m around – but I’ll miss you if you aren’t here. Just watch out for the spooks!

Spirit of Sam Jones