RISMEDIA, October 6, 2009—Our nation’s capitol can be a scary place sometimes, but it recently became even more frightening when a gang of ghouls and goblins led by Steven Silverstein, president of Spirit Halloween costume stores, descended on Capitol Hill to rally in support of Silverstein’s movement to permanently move Halloween from Oct. 31st to the last Saturday in October – every year.
“Friends, fright-lovers and fellow trick-or-treaters, we need Halloween, and today, Halloween needs us,” Silverstein urged in a video shot on Capitol Hill just released last week on YouTube and Silverstein’s “Support Halloweekend” petition website. “For too long Halloween has been a holiday without a certain home. For too long, Halloween has floated from one week day to the next. Do you really think we’re giving Halloween the quality time it deserves?”
“What about our needs?” he continues, as concerned trick-or-treaters cheer and nod heads in agreement. “Are we really content squeezing in a few black and orange cupcakes in the office? That’s not a celebration! The time has come to make the world a better place for ghouls and goblins of every size, creed and color across this great land!”
The crowd rallies, as Silverstein urges, “Saturday Halloween is safer. The kids can trick or treat before dark. Let’s make Halloween the last Saturday in October every year. It’s time to make Halloween, Halloweekend!
As a mock rendition of “Stars and Stripes Forever” begins to play, Silverstein hops off his “soapbox,” (a small podium decorated as a giant bar of soap), distributes candy to children and hi-fives supporters. The video ends with Silverstein and a few of the goblins patting each other on the back for a rally well-done. “You know, I think that Halloweekend thing really worked,” Silverstein says.
The Halloweekend website has several more facts supporting the cause; here are a few:
-Halloween is now the third-largest party day in the U.S., behind New Year’s Eve and the Super Bowl.
-Halloween is the second-largest holiday in home décor (inside and outside), behind Christmas
-It’s not just for kids anymore. Last year the National Retail Federation estimated that nearly 65% of adults celebrate Halloween and that the average consumer spends more than $66 on costumes, candy, decorations and greeting cards.
Saturday Halloween “makes good sense”
-Saturday Halloween is more fun for friends and family. Parties last longer, families spend more quality time together —the world is a little happier.
-Saturday Halloween is unrushed. The kids can trick or treat before dark and parents don’t have to race home from work or worry about bedtimes.
-Saturday Halloween is better for the economy. Halloween-related retail sales are as much as 30% higher when Halloween falls on the weekend versus a weekday. And that means more jobs and better paychecks. Let’s put America back to work—let’s end this recession now!
To view the video on YouTube, click here. To learn more or join the movement to make Halloween the last Saturday in October every year, click here.
For more information about Spirit Halloween costume stores, click here.
