Halloween is back in Anoka, MN, the Halloween Capitol of the World. There was a parade on Thursday for littles. It was a chance for kids to march down the main street, dress up in their favorite characters and collect some free candy. On Saturday, the Grand Day Parade was held, with a huge number of royalty floats from other communities in Minnesota. This time the kids lined up on the sidewalks and candy was thrown at them from young royals waving the queen wave and looking bored. There will be a number of Trunk or Treat venues all over town in cars, decorated for this unusual holiday. Guess what? They’re handing out candy. In a few days, the same children will be walking the streets and begging for CANDY! I’m sure the merchants of said candy will be happy, along with the dentists that these children will have to see to repair the results of it.

I’m not a big fan of Halloween and all its dark connotations – witches and spirits, zombies and ghosts are not my cup of tea, but I don’t believe in Santa Clause either. Guess I’m a grumpy old grandma. This holiday seems to bring out spooks of a different kind. Kids look adorable ij their costumes. Parties are held to help celebrate the harvest season and autumn, but in Anoka, MN, anything goes. Yards are decorated with skeletons and pumpkins. Spider webs fill the branches of trees. Storefronts and windows have been creatively painted with scenes pertaining to this day. It’s bigger than other holidays in this area, but I’ve noticed an increase in inflatables for all of them.

I remember going in for a blood test on Halloween a few years ago. I was greeted by a phlebotomist dressed as Dracula who had come to draw by blood. I had to chuckle until I heard a scream down the hall. That was the fastest, scariest doctor appointment I ever had.

Martin Luther and the Protestant Reformation were active on the eve of Halloween. It was the night before All Saints Day. People would be celebrating at church the next day. So, Martin decided to post his 95 Thesis to the front door of the sanctuary. His words and those of others would shake the world. It’s funny how some of these weird holidays connect with religious timelines.

Anyway, I plan to eat all my handout candy. For the ten years I’ve lived here we’ve only had about 3 trick or treaters. The only spirit you’ll find at my place is the Holy Spirit and I don’t t know if He likes candy.