Written by  Patricia Bianca

Ah, Halloween. Ever since our ancient European ancestors first lit bonfires and dressed in ghoulish attire to confound the forces of evil, Halloween has captured the hearts, imagination and even the pocketbooks of generations of revelers.

It has been estimated that American’s spend about $6.9 billion a year on the trappings of Halloween – costumes, decorations, treats and novelties – making it only second to Christmas in terms of holiday shopping.

In terms of the merchandise available, one could easily turn one’s home into a virtual haunted house, complete with cobwebs, spooky lighting, realistic tombstones and even a ghoulish domestic servant or two, provided you have the funds to spare.

Costumes have also become more elaborate and are no longer the distinct domain of youngsters. Specialty stores stock hundreds of costumes for grown up kiddies and they run the gamut from cute or creepy to X-rated. Halloween parties and even Halloween-themed weddings are trends that continue to grow, despite the misgivings of some that the holiday celebrates evil.

There are many takes on Halloween, as reflected in the merchandise available this year. Here’s a peek at just a few of the fun items available in Carroll County…

Resin Pumpkin
All the spookiness with none of the mess. The realistic, primitive pumpkin features engraved scenes of bare trees and haunted tombstones on all sides. Rustic tin bats flit about the stem – the perfect Halloween accent for your country manor. Available in several sizes and scenes, made by the Salem Collection. Available at Rusty Stars Country Store at 1222 North Main Street, Hampstead MD. 410-374-0712. $44.99 each.

Ghost Light
We all light up at the sight of goodies and this friendly little ghost light is no exception. A beautifully rendered china figurine floats above smiling pumpkins and contains a small electric light, filtered through golden-rimmed stars. By Lenox OccasionsTM, Lenox, Inc. Matching candy dishes and votives also available at Boscovs, located in the Town Mall of Westminster at 400 North Center Street, Westminster, MD. Cost of pictured figurine is $43.00.

Witchy Woman
This wild witch complements any interior as she floats above the swirling fog with her trusted familiar at her side. “I Put a Spell on You” by Jim Shore for Heartwood Creek was distributed by Enesco Group, Inc., in last year’s collection but is still available in many locations. This year’s batch of Jim Shore Halloween collectibles includes a candy dish and other fun figurines. Made of resin and metal, the witch features the quilted look familiar to fans of Jim Shore’s work. Available at Cards, Candy & More, Inc., locations in Londontowne Square in Eldersburg, Maryland 410-781-6873 and Westminster Crossing in Westminster, MD 410-876-5105. “I Put a Spell on You” costs $49.99.

Edwardian Butler
Tall, dark and É well, maybe not so handsome. This creepy butler stands an impressive 6’ tall! Impress trick-or-treaters with a dour domestic, formally attired in long coat, top hat, boots and a grim, sardonic smile. And if looks aren’t enough, he mumbles, breaths, moves his eyes and turns his head. He holds a large platter with lots of room for treats. Available at Factory Card & Party Outlet, located at 405 North Center Street, Westminster MD. 410-871-0526. Sells for a cool $129.99!

Dr. Lunatic’s Laboratory & Dr. Lunatic, The Mad Scientist
Okay, maybe he’s not a “self-made” man, but we love our Frankenstein’s creature all the same. Celebrate his humble beginnings for yourself with Department 56’s Dr. Lunatic’s Laboratory, one of many lighted, animated figurines available to create your own Halloween village of monstrous proportions. Available, along with the Dr. Lunatic figurine and others, at Russ Country Gardens & Gifts at the intersection of Routes 27 and 26 in Taylorsville, Maryland. 410-875-2385. Dr. Lunatic’s Laboratory retails at $110 and Dr. Lunatic, the mad scientist goes for a much less grim $17.50.

Trick or Treat Bags
No boring pillowcases for today’s trick-or-treaters. These soft sculpture bags hold lots of candy with style. They even offer a hokey holiday greeting with the push of a button cleverly hidden in the soft handle. They come in several colorful characters, including a silly spider, wicked witch and pleasant pumpkin. Available at Belk department store, located in the Town Mall of Westminster at 400 North Center Street, Westminster, MD. 410-848-1200. $20 each.