In the University District of Eugene, a simple tradition has become a beloved part of the neighborhood’s Halloween celebrations. Janell and her partner have been counting the number of children who ring their doorbell each October for years, noting a low of six during the pandemic and a recent high of 35.
Family‑focused fun
The couple divides visitors into two groups: “real children” – neighborhood kids who arrive with parents they know – and “wannabe children,” a playful term for University of Oregon students who stop by for candy on their way to parties. This light‑hearted categorization reflects the family‑centric spirit that defines the event.
Last year Janell added a quirky twist: a basket of Yukon Gold potatoes alongside the usual Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups and KitKats. The rule was simple – choose candy and receive two pieces, or pick a potato and get one. The novelty sparked laughter, especially when a costumed girl‑corpse declared a love for hash browns, leading to the disappearance of two potatoes.
Costumes, music and community safety
Costumes range from classic zombies to a towering gorilla suit that once startled a two‑year‑old. When the little one panicked, the family soothed him with candy and a promise that the next house wouldn’t feature a gorilla – a promise that, humorously, was broken.
Music also plays a role. One year the homeowner tried to impress trick‑or‑treaters with J.S. Bach fugues on a harpsichord, only to receive a chorus of “That’s not scary.” The family now turns to the local station KLCC for a more traditional Halloween soundtrack, looping “Monster Mash” to set the mood.
Neighborhood spirit beyond the doorbell
After the doorbell quiets down around 8 p.m., the street comes alive with adults in witch and monster costumes, turning the evening into a community parade. The family’s candy basket becomes a communal treat, reflecting the neighborhood’s generosity.
Anecdotes from local businesses add to the festive atmosphere. At a recent medical check‑up, receptionists and nurses were dressed as witches, while the doctor arrived as an ’80s disco star. Later, a breakfast at Brail’s featured waitstaff in a “Wizard of Oz” theme, and a wolf‑man in Safeway pointed out the cat‑food aisle.
Looking back and forward
Reflecting on the pandemic’s low point, the family recalls 2020 when only six children dared to ring their doorbell. Their son in Seattle shared a creative solution his city used – a ten‑foot candy‑dispensing tube that delivered treats directly to kids’ bags.
Despite the challenges of recent years, the tradition endures, reminding residents that Halloween in Eugene is more than a holiday; it’s a celebration of family, community and the simple joy of sharing candy.
Original reporting: Homepage – Lookout Eugene-Springfield — read the source article.
