They’re creepy and they’re kooky, mysterious and spooky, they’re all together ooky, the FAMU family.
As Florida A&M students prepare for Halloween festivities and outlandish costumes, eerie images become a staple for the night.
To help kickoff the holiday, local venues are hosting events tailored for those looking to have a good time.
“It’s one of the most exciting times of the year,” said Jonathan Haverson, a sales manager at Party City. “During this time, there is always an influx of students that come in buying supplies and costumes for their parties. It’s always fun watching and helping them carry out their plans.”
In recent years, Halloween has evolved from child’s play to an adult-themed affair.
Lauren Richardson, a senior business administration student from Detroit, feels that Halloween is the one night a year when a girl can dress promiscuously and no one can say anything about it.
Halloween is no longer a holiday for children to beg for candy. Adults are dressing up and going out, too.
According to the National Retail Federation, nearly 72 percent of Americans will celebrate Halloween this year, an increase from 53 percent in 2010.
Instead of trick-or-treating, students are looking for things to do around Tallahassee that will put them in the Halloween spirit.
Terror of Tallahassee,826 W. Gaines St., one of the most popular haunted houses in the city, is opening Friday and Saturday from 8 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. until Nov. 3. The haunted house is said to be North Florida’s largest haunted attraction, according to Kurt Kuersteiner, Terror of Tallahassee’s creative director who organizes the event that is open two weeks out of the year.
“It’s an amazing Halloween experience,” Kuersteiner said. “Each year, the haunted house gets bigger and more elaborate. We’re over 20,000 square feet inside and out. The house is very popular to FAMU students. They’re actually one of our best clients.”
For students who are not going to the haunted houses, there has been a variety of clubs that are offering costume competitions with themed parties throughout the week.
“I went to Fantasy Island 8 at Club LIT last Saturday,” said Jaya McFarland, a first-year business administration student from Atlanta. “If you wanted to see me in costume, you would’ve had to be there. I had a cool time, and it was definitely a Halloween event to remember. ”
With a tagline such as “what happens on the island stays on the island,” students are sure to be enticed to attend.
Baja’s Beach Club, 2020 W. Pensacola St., is having its Seventh Annual Halloween Block Party at 10 p.m. Club regulars are expecting a great time filed with surprises and laughs.
“I love Baja’s,” said Stacy Davis, a senior criminal justice student from Miami. “My costume is picked out, and me and my girlfriends are ready to have a good time.”
Hotel Duval, 415 N. Monroe St., will be present “Little Black Dress Night Goes Wicked” at Level 8 Lounge at 9:30. Attendees, 21 and up, can enjoy cocktails and champagne until close, and event sponsors will concoct creepy cocktails and magic potions throughout the evening. Entry is $10.
For students who are not into the club scene and want to enjoy a more relaxed environment, the Tallahassee Museum held its 18th Annual Halloween Howl for all ages to participate in what the museum called “fun and scary activities.”
Sunday, the festival featured a carnival, costume contest, not-so-spooky trails for kids, a haunted trail and a haunted maze.
“Me and my boyfriend had a wonderful time,” said D’Shae Martin, a sophomore English student from Tampa. “We walked the trails and enjoyed the face paintings. It was simply yet incredibly memorable.”
With several costume parties to attend at nightclubs such as PotBelly’s, Club LIT, Bajas and others, students will have many of options for Halloween.
For students looking for more information about Halloween events in Tallahassee, visit www.visittallahassee.com