I wasn’t allowed to celebrate Halloween growing up. My family would purchase some Snickers, Babe Ruths, Butterfingers, $50 worth of Domino’s pizza, turn out the front lights and lock the doors, and watch a family movie like Jumanji as we built a non-Halloween-compliant tradition.
Since I’ve been an adult I’ve begun to celebrate in my own way. I excitedly begin planning my costume early in the year, purchasing pieces along the way. I gather up fun skeleton glassware on sale and buy $1.88 treat-of-the-week candies at Walgreens to share with coworkers and students and wait as my birthday (October 16, holla) smears into Halloween season. Today, I want to share with you how to get into the Halloween spirit in Oxford—whether you’re 2 or 82.
HOW TO (not) BLEND IN
I’ve grown up a tad, and my desire to dress up has never been fully satiated. Many years I dress up in multiple different outfits (this year I’ll be sporting a simple ensemble of Dani’s outfit from Ari Aster’s Midsommar that came out this summer) like last year’s Elphaba, Adele, Mystique/Raven from X-Men, and Stevie Nicks (I still cherish my Lamar Lounge photo with an Adam Ant personification) to name a few. Goodwill, Salvation Army, our local Holding Hands resale store, or Amazon really do the trick for cosplaying your favorite character on Halloween night. And don’t forget about Jo’s Costume Shop, which has hundreds of costume rentals available for adults.
If you participate by wearing that fantastic costume you’ve poured your spare paycheck dollars or hard earned tips into, your efforts will be rewarded at the bars on the Square offering costume prizes. The Library Sports Bar has a super cool Halloween party featuring Mojiles and their big costume contest ($1,000 prize to best costume) and Funkys has DJ Kova serving up some tunes with a cash-prize costume contest and no cover.
PRO TIP #1: When using a whole bunch of body paint, spend a few extra dollars to Prime Ship 2-day from Amazon. Ben Nye and Mehron are my favorite picks from last year’s Elphaba costume. I found the cake that you wet and apply easier to work with than the cream. When I was Mystique and used Walmart brand (crap) makeup, it wiped off on my purse, my poodle, and everyone I hugged at City Grocery bar and Proud Larry’s. Don’t forget, Ulta has great options (looking at you, NYX) for lipsticks and brightly colored eyeshadows that are excellent for contouring.
PRO TIP #2: When layering body paint, do two to three thin layers instead of one thick one and always top it off with setting powder.
PRO TIP #3: I also highly recommend removal of body paint with 1) a massive pack of cheap baby wipes for the top two layers and 2) water/baking soda paste in the shower for bottom makeup layer removal. Oh, and post lots of cool photos with your prizes on social media so your coworkers know why you’re slightly green tinted on November 1.
DOING THE TIME WARP
I love my momma, but we don’t share the same humor, and although my childhood was deprived of Rocky Horror Picture Show doesn’t mean yours has to be, and if you’re over the age of 18 it doesn’t mean you can’t still do the time warp again. This year, the Yoknapatawpha Arts Council and Oxford Film Festival are having a unique screening of the film at The Powerhouse at 8 pm on Thursday, October 31. $20 General admission, $15 for YAC and OFF members, and $5 to buy a prop bag.
PRO TIP #4: Ticket sales end on October 30, and if this event sells out like it should, please don’t wait on securing the tix.
TRICKS and TREATS
The Library Sports Bar also hosts an annual haunted house that is not to be missed on October 28–29 ($5 to enter and all proceeds go to local charities), and Oxford Police Department continues their tradition with the 14th Annual Haunted House with OPD October 24–26, with their proceeds to benefit trauma kits for the Oxford School District).
Your perfect opportunity to scope out the new Lafayette County Multi-Purpose Arena has arrived with the free Halloween Spooktacular SafeStop trick-or-treating event from 5–7 pm on October 31, and Oxford Park Commission will be hosting a Healthy Halloween at the old Activity Center at 5:30 pm. Both events will have free treats and games for children. Also on Halloween, the Lafayette County and Oxford Public Library is hosting a Halloween Crafternoon event at 4 pm. Ole Miss Communiversity has Halloween cookie decorating at 5:30 pm Tuesday, October 22, and cake decorating 5:30 pm on Monday, October 28; both classes are open to the Oxford community with a small fee.
PRO TIP #5: Plan ahead! Streets get crowded, candy goes fast, and kids get cranky. Also, be flexible for rain and heat. Yay to Fall in the ‘Sip.
OXFORD FALL FAVORITES
Whether it’s picking out pumpkins at St Peter’s Episcopal Church to carve with friends or taking a shot at Faulkner’s Grave in the old St. Peter’s Cemetery, Halloween week in Oxford is here for all ages and a perfect time to soak up the fall weather goodness. At the very least, grab a drink on The Square with friends as you enjoy arguing over what month A Nightmare Before Christmas should be viewed.
