This gremlin gourd was created by Marilyn Sabold.
Burgar Street is back. After a hiatus from lockdown in 2020, Halloween on Burgar Street drew in all the goblins, ghouls, superheroes, and ninjas it could handle. Trick-or-treaters were eager to hit the streets as they came knocking earlier than ever with reports as early as 4:30 p.m. while residents were still finishing displays and costumes. Candy was running out by 7 p.m. and residents were relieved that the trick-or-treaters started clearing out by 7:30 p.m.
The annual street affair was well coordinated with spectacular outdoor trick-or-treating areas, where door knocks weren’t necessary. Driveways, front porches, and lawns served up the sweetness while bonfires welcomed chilly hooligans to warm up. The haunted house was a favorite and the full length movie a hit.
The costumes that collected dust last year were exceptional this year as people were eager to have some fun. Homemade costumes are always the best and some creative and well-crafted ones made up for the lost opportunity last year. Notably, the famous TV painter, Bob Ross, had a double cameo appearance stationed at two homes along the strip. Worn by Ivan Carmichael, Bill Cipher, a cartoon character that takes the form of the Eye of Providence from the Disney animation Gravity Falls, was especially impressive. So too, was Mary Poppins, who was spotted with her umbrella and carpet bag. The zombies and bloody brides raised the hair on parents’ backs while at least one werewolf may have been responsible for opening the chicken coup behind the Stromberger’s house.
This year Methow Arts hosted the second annual pumpkin carving contest. Last year I took home a $100 prize and wanted to try again. Unfortunately, my jack-o-troll had its face eaten off by deer prior to the contest date. Word travels fast on social media. In mourning for my troll massacre, Marilyn Sabold dropped of the most exquisite gremlin gourd to make up for the grief of my fallen troll and enliven our neighborhood. How thoughtful, thanks Marilyn!
Halloween takes its genesis from the dark ages of middle Europe, with strong Celtic origins. One tradition tells that the winter stores from root cellars were not to be opened until the Hallow’s Eve. Winter crops were strictly forbidden to be taken from storage until the official beginning of the dark season. Fires were lit above hilltops like beacons, announcing to the villagers below that the first winter feast shall begin. I love this image and always think about how it would play out here in the Methow.
First, flames are spotted on Sandy Butte followed by Rendezvous Mountain, signaling Mazamans to begin. Then Winthrop spots a glow atop Lewis Butte and Patterson Mountain. Soon, Bowen Mountain flames are seen, followed by bonfires atop Mill Hill and Mount McClure. Twisp residents begin boiling pots of carrots and beets while flames on Leecher Mountain signal Carlton to dig in. The beacon trails down valley until all are assured winter has arrived and the food stores are ample.
Speaking of winter stores, the root cellar at Classroom in Bloom is nearing completion. Next time you are on campus, walk around behind the garden and check it out. The root cellar was a project designed and built by students of Classroom in Bloom along with the high school construction design students. Students framed the entry and set the concrete stem walls while the Kiwanis Club laid masonry blocks. Jerry Palm provided excavation and burial of the underground structure. The cellar will be used to store fresh produce for the high school food classes as well as anything the cafeteria can use, extending the harvest goodies through the dark season.
