Farewell 2025 Anoka Royal Ambassadors
www. abcnewspapers. com
HALLOWEEN MAGAZINE
October 22, 2025 | Anoka County Shopper | Page 14
Farewell 2025 Anoka Royal Ambassadors
Decorating homes for Halloween
Decorating for Halloween has become big business, with consumers spending a collective $ 10.6 billion in this category in the United States in 2022, according to a survey conducted by Prosper Insights & Analytics and the National Retail Federation. In fact, decorations, particularly outdoor decorations, were the second most popular way to celebrate Halloween( candy still reigns supreme). Halloween is an opportunity to pull out all the stops for this fun fall celebration. The following tips can help to turn any home into a Halloween haunt to remember.
• Decide on a theme. Most people fall into one of two camps when decorating for Halloween. There are those who want their homes to be frightening and full of horrific details, and others who prefer more of a fall harvest look. Identify your preferences and then gather decorative items accordingly.
• Shop early / late. Ideally, the best time to buy Halloween decorations is the day after the holiday when prices get slashed( pun intended). This is the time to stock up on items for next year. You can save anywhere from 50 to 70 percent when buying late in the season. For those who need new items for this year’ s Halloween, close-out retailers like HomeGoods and TJ Maxx start putting out Halloween products in the middle of summer. Stock up as soon as you see items, as they’ re not likely to remain on shelves for long. By the time October rolls around, decorations may be gone.
• Subtle touches can work. Though some people just love covering every square foot of a property with all things Halloween, it’ s also possible to make a big impact with minimal effort. Lighting, or lack thereof, can create a spooky atmosphere. Swap existing porch lights with yellow or even black lights so everything glows. Candles flickering can add mystery. Place some battery-powered or electric candles in windows for an eerie feel. Swap out your typical curtains with purple or black ones to drape the house in even more spooky appeal.
• Wait on the carved pumpkins. Halloween seldom is complete without jack-o’-lanterns. But pumpkins often begin to degrade shortly after they’ re first carved. Use artificial pumpkins if you plan to decorate early; otherwise, wait until a day or two before Halloween to add freshly carved pumpkins to the Halloween scape. Children can come up with the design, but ensure only adults cut into the pumpkins. Homeowners can quickly and easily transform their homes into spooky haunts this Halloween.
SYDNEY DERUNG
Sponsor: Dan Gould Jewelers
As I reminisce on my remarkable journey as an Anoka Halloween Royal Ambassador, I realize how lucky I was to be given the opportunity to represent the most uplifting and passionate community. Throughout this year, I grew in my knowledge of Anoka history and was empowered to share this with a multitude of other people from both near and far. We were so fortunate to celebrate and learn about an abundance of communities throughout Minnesota. The relationships that we gained in each community are now some of my favorite lifelong friendships and mentors. This year, I have matured in my ability to interview, public speak and start a conversation with anyone I interact with. My newfound confidence would not have been possible without the support, compassion, and dedication of the Anoka Ambassador leadership team. They continuously volunteer hours of their time to allow this program to grow and develop with integrity. This year, I discovered the amount of time and commitment it takes to make all the community events within Anoka possible. The countless volunteers, Halloween Board, Committee, City Officials, and everyone else that is devoted to making the magic happen, please know you are more than appreciated. The everlasting memories I have gotten to experience as an Anoka Ambassador would not have been achievable without the unwavering support of my parents. Mom and Dad, you gave a helping hand in every aspect; from making parades run smoothly, helping iron my dresses, and making sure I always felt so loved and taken care of. To my brother, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and friends, I appreciate you being my biggest fans and encouraging me in any way possible throughout this year. The chaperones who allowed us to attend countless events, your love for this program is evident and we are so thankful that you put up with our goofy selves. To my“ crown sisters”: Ava, your kind heart, selfless leadership, and unwavering dedication in everything you do are qualities I deeply admire. Berit, your authenticity and the way you light up every room are truly inspiring – you made me laugh so hard at nearly every event that I often ended up in tears. You two are so beautiful on the inside and out and I couldn’ t be more grateful for our bond; it is like no other. Throughout every journey we have been on this year my eyes have been opened to new culture, experiences and relationships. Dan Gould Jewelers has made this year a possibility by sponsoring me through my candidacy and ambassador reign. The selection team saw potential in me and allowed me to be part of the best team to serve our community with grace and dedication. My year as an Anoka Halloween Royal Ambassador has been truly extraordinary. My heart is filled with gratitude for this opportunity, and I will cherish the life lessons forever. Pumpkin love to you all!