Halloween 2014.   I think back to my childhood and how we celebrated the holiday. It really was a kids day. Very rarely did you see a parent on the street. The only house decorations might have been a pumpkin on the stoop.

 

     As a 4th or 5th grader we would check weather reports, then plan a strategy to maximize our treats. About that time Mom would come with the crushing news. "You have to escort your little sister and brother". This always started the negotiation. " How long do I have to be with them?   If I take them out, can I stay out later? "

 

     The trick-or-treating was really over by 6-7 pm. After that, it was the older kids and the next day, the evidence of their escapades was seen in the streets.  Shaving cream, chalk marks, toilet paper, broken eggs and smashed pumpkins invariably led to a lecture at All Saints' Day mass. Somewhere along the line, community leaders got the pharmacy to not sell shaving cream, and the market , no eggs on Halloween.

 

     How things have changed. Halloween is the number two holiday, right after Christmas, for house decorations. It seems more adults plan costumes than children. I don't think any of the 1 year olds you see in costumes participated in the planning. There are more organized events, and definitely more parental supervision. Candy sales are down 25% and many retailers will take back un-opened bags.

 

       Reinwald's Bakery gives out our Jack-o-Lantern cookies to all costumed trick-or-treaters. Even that is down because of parties the kids go to. I am not saying any of this is bad; just different.

 

       In that vein, the bakery's offerings for Halloween tend to be more party and family oriented. In addition to our Jack-o-Lantern and Witch cake, we have Mr. Frankie and new this year a Witch's Cauldron. The witch's cauldron is our famous mousse bowl brimming over with chocolate mousse and squeamish green- white chocolate mousse.   Of course we have our more traditional cookies and cupcakes suited for one. In fact, I just sent out a package of Jack-o-Lantern cookies to my son in Seattle. Those along with coconut custard pies are what he misses most.

 

       The bakery will be open from 6:30 am till 7 pm on Halloween. If you stop in before work, you can surprise a co-worker with one of our vampire donuts. Cute and delicious. Anyone that buys vampire donuts will get a 10% discount on any cake items purchased AFTER 3 pm on Halloween afternoon. Hope to see you then.

 

 

 

 

Please Enjoy Your Days,

Rich Reinwald  

 

See some of our special Halloween treats below.