Photo story – Davidson’s Halloween spirit is in full swing
From homes to storefronts, front porches to college trees, it’s all about Halloween (and autumn) on a spooky stroll through the Town of Davidson
Kate Saussele, Deputy Editor-in-Chief, Features Editor
October 30, 2024
The Town of Davidson is completely ramped up and ready for Halloween. By now, it seems like everywhere you look, there is something that pays tribute to the dark and spooky holiday, or at least the autumn season overall. Taking a walk down Main Street or even strolling through a local neighborhood builds the excitement and anticipation about the fun activities that will fill much of the upcoming weekend.
However, the spirit of Halloween and fall has been in the works for many weeks now. Stores have worked to keep seasonal items in stock, families have decorated their houses and people have come together with their love for the season.
No matter the reasons that people have for celebrating, many Davidson residents are excited about Halloween. As you walk or drive around the town, take a second to look around at the timely sights that surround you. Appreciate the effort that people have put into these decorations, and, if you feel like it, let out a scream if a Halloween creature takes you by surprise!
In McConnell, some houses go all-out. Fun light displays, large decorations and various spooky elements all play their parts. One house in particular plays sounds resembling those from horror movies, overlapping multicolored spotlights shining on moving animatronic figures. (Kate Saussele)
Notable Halloween paraphernalia, like witches, dolls, ghosts and more fill this yard. Multiple tall skeletons loom over the crowd and watch the passersby. It eerily feels like their eyes are watching you. One step too close, and one of these guys might jump out at you! (Kate Saussele)
On the tamer side, pumpkins- carved or uncarved- sit on porches. Surrounded by autumn-colored flowers and other appropriate figures, these classic decorations evoke nostalgia and give life to even an average porch during the brisk holiday season. “Decorating for Halloween reminds me of my childhood, and I love how the neighborhood kids ask for us to put specific decorations out every year,” Davidson resident, Kristin Saussele, said. (Kate Saussele)
Some decorators decide to go the homemade route when carrying out their lawn plans, “I use commonly found household objects, and all of a sudden they’re repurposed here” Davidson resident, Patrick Werner, said. “It adds to the magic of it all, my goal is to always add something new every year.” (Kate Saussele)
A bit of a simpler route that a decorator can take is blown-up characters. Even with an easier setup, the range of these decorations is more creative every year. Whether it looks like an inanimate object such as a gravestone, or a character, the colors, sizes and references always vary. This lineup is sure to catch some eyes. (Kate Saussele)
Anything added to a house can contribute to the bigger idea that Halloween decorating encourages: community. “It brings the community together, gets the kids really excited, and I think it would ruin the holiday if we didn’t decorate,” CSD student, Emma Nowak (‘26), said. (Kate Saussele)
Many parts of Davidson’s Main Street also showcase the seasonal spirit. Multi-colored pumpkins sit on the edge of the sidewalk and add a fun pop of color to the otherwise regular path surrounding it. (Kate Saussele)
KF Studios Handmade Marketplace adds a pop of color to their store entrance with a bright garland of autumn leaves. Both customers and those who simply walk by can’t help but take a look at the overhanging decoration. (Kate Saussele)
The Village Store displays a stand of fall items just outside of their front door. From buckets to t-shirts, you are always able to find a seasonal item here! The store is persistent about showcasing the approaching holidays. (Kate Saussele)
Even Halloween week’s weather looks promising. Many trees exhibit stunning oranges, reds and yellows. Crunchy leaves coat the sidewalks, and will soon be trampled over by kids of all ages dressed in countless imaginative costumes. (Kate Saussele)
Davidson College is also unknowingly participating in the essence of the season. The changing greenery (though now, it’s not so green) fills the campus with a comfortable breeze and an underlying enthusiasm for Halloween. (Kate Saussele)
Kate Saussele, Deputy Editor-in-Chief, Features Editor
Kate Saussele is a senior in her second year at CSD. She has participated in journalism outside of school, but this is her first year as an official staff member of the Spartan Sentinel. In her writing, she enjoys exploring the intersection of entertainment, science and aspects of human interest.
Over the summer, Kate was accepted into Boston University’s Summer Journalism Academy and had the opportunity to publish two articles she wrote during the program in their online newspaper, The Terrier. While in the city, she also explored the greater Boston area and met other like-minded journalists from all over the country.
At CSD, Kate is president of the Women in STEM club and is a member of Model UN. She hopes that what she learns in the Journalism class will help her make an impact in a future career.
Outside of school, Kate enjoys playing piano and guitar, antique shopping and taking day trips with friends. She also loves to rewatch 10 Things I Hate About You, scroll through Pinterest and decorate her room.
Quote?
“Live your life with arms wide open; today is where your book begins, the rest is still unwritten”
-Natasha Bedingfield, Unwritten
Walk-up Song?
“One Way or Another”
-Blondie
Comments (2)
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What a beautifully written article Kate. Thank you for the Joy I felt as you described the loveliness of Autumn and varied, playful, side of Halloween. It felt like I was right there with as you, as you toured and captured the colorful sites around Davidson!
Marlene D. • Nov 1, 2024 at 9:56 am
What a beautifully written article Kate. Thank you for the Joy I felt as you described the loveliness of Autumn and varied, playful, side of Halloween. It felt like I was right there with as you, as you toured and captured the colorful sites around Davidson!
Mike Savicki • Nov 4, 2024 at 7:07 pm
Thank you for this wonderful comment, we appreciate it and love getting feedback. Davidson at the holidays (and Kate)? Both one in a million.