When October finally rolls around each year (or “spooky season” as it has been coined), there is a lot to be excited about. The fall atmosphere, the leaves changing colors, the wind picking up in the air and the temperature cooling, all complement the unique festivities and activities. Different people tend to appreciate different aspects of the season. For some, it may be an opportunity to get the life taken out of them by getting scared half to death, while others may enjoy more peaceful activities with family and friends. However, October simply would not be as memorable if it were not for Halloween.
The month being finished off with Halloween makes traditions such as going to haunted houses and watching scary movies particularly exciting and relevant to the month and season. Popular places to get “spooked” include Markoff’s Haunted Forest located in Dickerson, MD and Field of Screams in Olney, MD. For those looking for a good scare and a fun place to hang out with friends, these two places are sure to make your night memorable.
However, some people prefer not to be scared.
“I enjoy going trick or treating with my younger brother and younger cousins,” Quince Orchard junior Brianna Villegas said. “It’s most fun to eat your favorite candies on Halloween, and I’m not the biggest fan of scary movies.”
QO junior, Sheng Chang, expressed that she likes to see people’s costumes and different ideas on display.
“The appeal of spooky season for me is more about how everyone can really turn into themselves but in a different form on Halloween night with their costumes,” Chang said.
QO senior, Samuel Mercer, prefers to see people hand-make costumes rather than buy them from stores.
“Halloween gives you the chance to be creative and weird without judgement,” Mercer said.
Some high schoolers prefer other activities that make October memorable for them.
“I enjoy to carve pumpkins and prank people which make the month fun for me,” QO sophomore Sofia Marugan said.
Overall, what makes October such a memorable month for many people is the particular atmosphere. With many distinctive and idiosyncratic festive activities that vary from carving pumpkins, going to haunted houses to get scared or just simply hanging out with friends, there is so much that the month has to offer. October is a month to look forward to every year, incentivized by the many different ways that people can have fun. Unlike other holidays in which only certain people tend to celebrate based on whether or not their religion honors it, Halloween is a holiday that everybody can have a little bit of fun commemorating.
Article by Matthew Minton of Quince Orchard High School
Graphic by Claire Yang of Churchill High School