Halloween is starting to grow on me (again). I loved it as a kid; what kid doesn't? I guess Vivian is helping me get back in touch with my creative inner kid (I almost cringe to use that terminology) because for the last two years I have had felt quite inspired and motivated to create Halloween fun.
Last year our expat community came together to throw a seasonal bash for our kids which was such a success that yesterday we hosted the 2nd annual Jinhai Halloween. Its a hybrid harvest festival/Halloween event. While some shops here are starting to stock Halloween costumes and decorations, outside the international schools there is no Halloween in Qingdao. Not all expats celebrate Halloween, either; it seems to be mostly an American holiday. Despite the unfamiliarity of its underpinnings and traditions, kids need little incentive to dress up in fun costumes, play games, and eat candy.
This year's games and activities included bobbing for apples, pumpkin bowling, face painting, beanbag toss, and more. New this year was my activity, which was a photo booth. Last year I worked the crowd and snapped loads of candid shots, but this year I was tethered to my tripod and so I did not get any candids. I have to tell you, though they are a lot of work after the fact (editing and emailing dozens of photos), photo booths are a huge load of fun for photographer and subjects alike. Here are a few of my favorite shots from the event.
I hope your Halloween was a happy and safe one!
