While strolling the aisles of one of my favorite stores during a weekly shopping trip, I was enjoying all the creative Halloween costumes. Whimsical witches with sparkly hats, spooky shimmery ghosts of every size and fuzzy black cat costumes to keep the little ones warm. Creatures and critters galore.
Around the next corner, Thanksgiving arrived. Golden fall leaves and glittering pumpkins. Placemats and napkins and table runners lined up by color to help make the warmest of tablescapes. I was definitely feeling a very festive fall vibe. I knew if I turned one more corner what would be waiting.
It had probably been there for weeks. Boldly lurking in all its red and gold glory. Sparkling in its boisterous tinsel and garland . Luring shoppers over with its pine and cinnamon aroma. I couldn’t deny it any longer. Christmas was around the corner. I tried briskly walking by, not letting the shiny ornaments catch my eye. But it was too late — 3 wick cranberry candles for $6.99. Sweet! Tossed one for those in my cart.
After all, cranberry is an Autumn scent. I wasn’t giving in to Christmas quite yet. And if you’re not quite ready to move past pumpkins and cornstalks, here’s some fun activities for the next few weeks.
Halloween events
New for the beach this season, North Beach High School TADD (Teens Against Destructive Decisions) will welcome the fall season with a “Trunk or Treat” event from 5-7 p.m. Oct. 29; open to the public and aimed at elementary-aged students. Many local business and community members will be at the North Beach Jr./Sr. High School parking lot to help TADD.
Share some Halloween brew with the Pirates at the Pirates Cove in Ocean Shores, Saturday Oct. 29; Halloween Costume Contest at 8:30 p.m.
On Oct. 31, kids can start with the Small Business Spooktacular Trick or Treating from 3-6 in Ocean Shores. Look for the orange “Spooktacular” signs in participating shops and businesses. If your business would like to participate as a stop, please email onebusibee@outlook.com to get your pumpkin window sign.
Then from 6-8 p.m., the main Spooktacular takes place at the Ocean Shores Convention Center, hosted by the Ocean Shores Firefighters Association. Looking to host a booth? Contact Jim Caudle 289-4703 to sign up.
The biggest bash of the year for adults is at the Quinault Beach Resort and Casino. The party starts at 9 p.m. Oct. 29 at the Nightmare Ball, where your costume could win you cash.
Make sure to visit local businesses and fill out a “Wish List” for the “ It’s a Wrap” event on Nov. 17. Bring your presents to the Ocean Beach Roasters from 6-8 p.m. on the 17th and get them wrapped while you kick off the holiday season with festive food and beverages. Email onebusibee@outlook.com for more info or to participate.
You can support your favorite local shop and win cash with “Off Season Rewards.” It’s easy and quick to enter, all you have to do is shop locally and save those receipts. Stop in and see Dianne at the Dusty Trunk for more information or to sign up.
And while you’re out and about shopping, go ahead, toss some tinsel in you basket if it’s on sale. Although we live by beach time, we can’t slow the holidays down — even here “On the Beach.”
Submission considerations to onebusibee@outlook.com
