In brief
A recent poll reveals that approximately two-thirds of U.S. adults are gearing up to celebrate Halloween this year, with heightened enthusiasm among parents of children under 18. Traditional festivities include trick-or-treating, costume parties, and home decorations. Sherry Jenkins from Blairstown, NJ, embodies the spirit of Halloween by hosting friends and handing out candy while maintaining a no-healthy-snacks policy in her neighborhood. Diverse perspectives on Halloween highlight both the zeal of superfans and the more moderate participants in the holiday's activities.
NEW YORK (AP) — Sherry Jenkins, a resident of Blairstown, New Jersey, fully embraces the Halloween spirit, a tradition that resonates deeply in a town known for filming the iconic horror movie Friday the 13th. With a local parade and festive activities, Jenkins is among the 66% of U.S. adults preparing to celebrate Halloween this year, according to a recent Associated Press-NORC Center poll conducted from October 9-13.Jenkins, 69, enthusiastically hosts gatherings for friends and prepares to welcome over a thousand trick-or-treaters at her doorstep, staunchly rejecting the notion of healthy candy alternatives after a past embarrassment with raisins. We’re definitely where the party is, she states, as she decorates her yard and may even dress her dog in a whimsical costume.The poll emphasizes a clear trend: around 80% of parents with children under 18 are planning Halloween activities, significantly more than the 60% of adults without kids. Among the excited parents is Jessica Byrd from Kingman, Arizona, who revels in Halloween tradition alongside her children, donning outfits themed from popular culture, including The Nightmare Before Christmas.In contrast, only about 9% of U.S. adults intend to dress up their pets this Halloween, showcasing a general preference for traditional costumes focused on people rather than animals.As the holiday draws near, many Americans indicate they will participate in classic activities like passing out candy—about one-third admit they plan to do so. In addition, a similar number of adults expressed their intent to take the opportunity to enjoy scary movies during this spooky period.Interestingly, some Halloween enthusiasts, like Byrd, take their passion to the next level by decorating their homes year-round with festive items—a sentiment echoed by Kathy Rice from Colorado Springs, who fondly recalls her childhood Halloween experiences.While some engage in elaborate celebrations, others, like Karalyn Kiessling from South Lyon, Michigan, maintain a more moderate stance, enjoying parties and costumes without extreme decorations. With their varied approaches to the holiday, Americans collectively demonstrate that Halloween remains a cherished tradition across the country.
