BY AMY LORENZ
While giving the chili one last stir, I glanced up and looked out of the window to see a van pull up. Out of the van, hopped a couple of members of the band Guns N’ Roses, two jail inmates, and Mao Zedong. As they walked up to the door, I was wondering what our college-aged kids were doing at home. Once asked, they simply replied, “It’s Halloween, this is what we do.” We have been gathering at our home in North Mankato every October 31, for more than 20 years now. It began with a small invite to family who lived out of town and needed somewhere to go. Our neighborhood provides just the right amount of distance for little legs to walk and plenty of full-size candy bars. It has since grown into a gathering of family, friends and neighbors. Dozens gather at our home every year for what has become a special celebration at our house. The menu has not changed from the first gathering: chili and wild rice soup. Others bring sides of crusty bread, salads and, of course, plenty of treats.
Since our first Halloween in North Mankato, our family of four has grown to a family of eight. The rules for trick-or-treating remain the same: as long as you have a costume on, nobody is too old for treats. This past year included our high school daughter, Estelle, introducing a group of foreign exchange students to the idea of knocking on doors and asking for treats. After finding a leotard from the ‘80s, some feathers, a helmet or two, and some pillowcases for their loot, these girls were set. Just as we have the tradition of chili and wild rice soup, the kids have the all-important tradition of trading candy. As the night wears on and the trick-or-treaters begin to trail off, the real action begins inside. From preschoolers to high schoolers, they dump their overflowing pillow cases and bags out on the floor. Soon each kid is sitting on their own island of candy, negotiating the Twix to Skittles trades. A 20-year tradition for our family that I know will keep going for at least another 20, no matter how old or far apart we get.
The Great Candy Trade!
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NORTH KATO MAGAZINE FALL 2022
All ages get in on the fun of dressing up!
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