This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
The Los Angeles Times reports that Halloween is now so popular among adults and children alike that, this year, over 60% of all Americans will participate in the holiday in some way.This, of course, scares LAist more than a normal scare (jumping out from behind the couch and saying "Boo!") simply because this means that even more adults will assume they are now allowed to dress up as their favorite scary Halloween character and take part in festivities they were banned from when they turned 18.
For most adults, this news gives new life to the concept of 'trick or treat', allowing adults who have been pissed for years about not being allowed to troll for free candy alongside elementary school and pre-school aged children in their neighborhoods. And for those adults that were once bullies on the night of hallowed-eve, their maturity will now take a backseat to the acts of throwing eggs at other children they don't like, stealing candy from those who cannot defend themselves from such horrific acts and will, once again, open the door for bags of flaming poo.
And while LAist may not support the act of stealing children's candy or flinging bags of you-know-what, we fully support (in reality) the equal opportunity ability for human beings to trick-or-treat no matter their age, color, creed or costume (sumo costume and 'nerd' costume notwithstanding). Free candy is the right of all Americans and just like getting money for knocked-out teeth and the wonderful holiday of Purim, should not be relegated to the youth of society.
So if you see adults this Halloween dressed up as lawyers and messengers and neighbors holding big empty plastic Ralph's bags at your doorstep and begging for that king size Butterfinger...don't turn them away just because they would rather beg for candy than buy it. Give them some sugar.
Because Halloween is no longer a holiday for kids, people. It's a holiday for all.
