Ghouls out and sports stars in . . .
Paeroa resident's alternative, safe Halloween event
An American who has made his home in Paeroa for the past 17 years is promoting an alternative to a traditional Halloween at the Paeroa War Memorial Hall on October 31.
Bob Turlington came to New Zealand from Baltimore to work with children at Paeroa Baptist Church and other organisations, including Totara Springs in Matamata. He has promoted the alt-halloween evening for the past 11 years.
Halloween celebrations have increased in popularity in New Zealand over the past two decades, and popular fright-night activities for Kiwi kids include dressing up, trick-ortreating, costume parties, lighting bonfires and watching scary movies.
Known in old English as All Hallow’s Eve, the annual scare-fest originally signified the beginning of the observance of Allhallowtide, a threeday religious observance of the dead, saints and martyrs that encompasses All Saints’ Eve (Halloween), All Saints’ Day (All Hallows’) and All Souls’ Day.
Turlington has been organising Halloween alternative events for more than the past 20 years in the countries he has lived in. He has been doing one in Paeroa for 12 of the past 13 years.
Turlington believes Halloween has “a lot of ‘bad stuff’ associated with it”, and he is keen to promote his alternative evening, which focuses on fun and playing dress-up as sports stars.
“Kids dressing up in scary costumes many people don’t like, especially parents,” said Turlington.
He points out many people don’t like their kids knocking on strangers’ doors.
“Children who do go door to door often get frustrated because many people don’t answer their door. The reason is people don’t like answering their door late at night, especially the elderly.
“In the USA, many people, neighbourhoods and communities have organised their own gatherings for their kids. Also, many churches have provided one in the form of a Fall Fest or Harvest Festival. At many of the churches, hundreds of people attend them because they know their kids are safe.”
“Our event provides a good alternative where the kids get all the lollies they want, they can dress up in non-scary theme, have fun, and stay safe.”
HC Post approached the police for comment concerning safety at Halloween.
A spokesperson said: “Parents or caregivers should accompany children and not let them go with people they do not know.
“Trick or treat in areas that are well lit and only go where children know the residents. Always go with an adult or, if you’re a teen, stay with your friends.
“If you see a sign on the door that says ‘no trick or treat here’ or similar, then respect their wishes.
“Householders don’t have to open the door or respond to knocks from Halloween visitors.”