A Halloween Legend

Every holiday has individuals who go bonkers over it. My favorite day of the year is Halloween. I love it because it is one of the last days of the year when people go outside and walk. It is also a family event with parents coming to your home with their children.

Some years ago I started doing an interview with Jon James on WMME (Moose Radio) in Augusta Maine. I am on the air with Jon and crew between 6:30am and 9:00am. I don’t know how it all got started but I mentioned that I give out “big” candy bars but didn’t say where I lived. Then, for whatever reason we decided to toss out a “secret password.” If you know the password you get triple candy bars. If you don’t have the word, you get one. Someone called the show with my address and the rest is history.

So, over the years what started out with 50 trick or treaters has become 450+ with 90% knowing the word. One year the password was “I love the Farmers’ Almanac.” The more passion, the more candy. At the end of that evening, two little brothers knocked on the door. When I opened it, they stared howling how much they “Love the Farmers’ Almanac,” while throwing confetti all over my front yard. They walked away with 36 candy bars.

I think the most I have given away is 1600 candy bars. This year I am ready for whatever comes my way. I have 2300 giant bars and another 600 small ones for the little ghosts who can’t fit a big bar into their jack-o-lantern. I was at a Spencer store recently. When I made a comment on what I spent on Candy, the young clerk said “are you the guy who gives out the gigantic candy bars? You are a legend…. everyone talks about you.

So, tonight I set up all the candy and then tomorrow morning I get on Moose Radio and relate the password. Principals in local schools make special PA announcements, teachers write it down for the little tykes, and then we welcome over 400 kids through the living room in 90 minutes or so. I also turn my garage into a haunted house for the brave ones who want to be scared. . .

So, are there other “legends” out there? Do you do anything unique on Halloween. If so, I’d love to hear about it. Or, share a photo. I’ll post a picture of what 2300 bars looks like and maybe a few of my guests Thursday morning.

Happy Halloween!

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