Dear Editor:

Preparations have started for our third annual A Very Southport Halloween. Now that the countdown has begun, I feel compelled to share the motivation behind making this a successful event. In a word, community.

While dressing up in costumes and keeping extra candy in the house tend to be the more notable pillars of Halloween, I would suggest that community is equally as significant. Focus is generally on shared excitement among the children, as parents share the obligation of a late night with more sugar and driving than preferred. However less talked about are the folks, of all generations, who are at home eagerly waiting to see what costumed visitors will pay a visit.

Unfortunately, the number of trick or treaters has diminished over the years. The appeal of one-stop events is understandable, especially in a rural area like ours. But trading traditional trick or treating for these events alienates parts of our community who would have otherwise had a chance to be involved. For some, it’s one of the only opportunities to have accessible community interaction and involvement. For others, it’s a bright spot of joy to help last the solitude of the winter months.

The purpose of A Very Southport Halloween is to involve all. The kick-off party at Robinson’s Wharf is meant to serve as an opportunity for all Southporters (and our Boothbay region friends) to come together to enjoy a free warm meal, to share fun costumes (or not if you don’t wish), and visit with neighbors in a festive atmosphere. Some may elect to take advantage of Robinson’s ample parking and carpool with friends for the next part of the evening, as those with trick or treaters leave the party with a map showing Southport homes that are waiting with full bowls of candy. There is even a new development this year that offers incentive to visit all stops on the map!

Even now, in the third year of preparing for this free event, we continue to revisit the drawing board in hopes of making it as best as it can be. We’re fortunate to have the Southport Island Association fully committed to fostering the community tradition of Halloween on Southport–helping it to truly involve all generations as it once did. 

Ashlea Tibbetts

Southport