Halloween is just around the corner, and according to some experts, some of us are spooked by Halloween spending.
Fewer Americans are planning to celebrate Halloween this year than in 2012, according to the National Retail Federation’s Halloween Spending Survey.
Those who do plan to celebrate are expected to spend less. Total spending on costumes, treats, parties and decor is expected to reach $6.9 billion in 2013, compared to $8 billion last year.
But having limited funds doesn’t mean you have to limit your fun. Shift the focus away from pricey costumes and costly candy with these examples of alternate and affordable ways to celebrate All Hallows’ Eve:
Head to a harvest festival: Many of these celebrations are designed for the entire family and can help you avoid the scarier aspects of Halloween. The Clyde Shepherd Nature Preserve Annual Harvest Festival, from 4-7 p.m. Oct. 26 at 2580 Pine Bluff Drive in Decatur, offers crafts such as scarecrow building, campfire and s'mores as well as nature walks. Bring your own picnic, blanket and chairs and buy hot chocolate and treats at the preserve. There will be live music from 6-7 p.m. Donations are accepted but not required.
Save on trick-or-treating: Trick-or-treating doesn't have to mean going house to house. A number of malls offer Halloween events such as festivals, parties and trick-or-treating in a safe, enclosed environment. The Trunk or Treat event at Southlake Festival Plaza, 1510 Southlake Parkway in Morrow, takes place from 6-8 p.m. Oct. 31 and offers free family fun including face painting, jump houses, desserts and musical performances. An added bonus to attending these events is that you save on the cost of candy since you'll be out of the house during prime trick-or-treating hours.
Visit a pumpkin patch: There's nothing like picking pumpkins to celebrate the spirit of Halloween. Look for pumpkin patches that also offer free events to enhance the fun like Scottsdale Farms Nursery, 15639 Birmingham Highway in Alpharetta, which will host a doggy costume contest from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Oct. 26, as well as free face painting from noon-4 p.m. Oct. 26 and 27. It is free to enter the pumpkin patch — pumpkins are priced by the pound.
Volunteer: Turn Halloween weekend into an occasion to help others when you participate in charitable events such as the Trick or Treat Trot 5K at Chastain Park on Oct 26. The Kid's Village opens at 9 a.m. and the 5k Trot begins at 10 a.m. It is free to attend and $25 to participate in the walk. The event serves to raise awareness of and support for Easter Seals. It takes place in the Blue Lot at 4500 Stella Drive.
Take advantage of deals: Halloween has its share of yummy deals. At IHOP, children 12 and under get a free Scary Face Pancake on Halloween. Visit any Chipotle dressed in costume from 4 p.m. to close, and get the "Boorito" deal — a burrito, bowl, salad, or an order of tacos for $3. Proceeds up to $1,000,000 will benefit the Chipotle Cultivate Foundation.
Trade candy for cash: When it's all said and done, no matter how you celebrate Halloween, you're bound to end up with excess candy. Participate in a Halloween Candy Buyback Program sponsored by local dental offices and your kids can get $1 for every pound of candy they turn over. Visit www.halloweencandybuyback.com/ to find a participating dentist near you.
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