By: Channing Murrock
Halloween comes once a year, so why not go all out? Playing it safe is not an option for most people. College students are known for their creative costumes as well as the witty ones. Rob Lehr from Akron Design and Costume says many college kids are buying multiple costumes for their Halloween parties.
“They tend to buy safer costumes for parties with family members and get crazier when they go out with their friends,” Lehr said.
According to Lehr, the most popular women’s costume this year is a zombie Amy Winehouse. The popular men’s costumes are knights. He also says couples are going crazy over Viking and pirate ensembles.
“I was trying to find something on the cheaper side while also being something memorable and funny rather than sexy,” said junior Maggie Calder, who is dressing up as Paula Deen. “I think sexy Halloween costumes are less memorable than clever.”
Freshman Brent Gase says that movies and television inspired him to buy a gladiator outfit from another local Halloween shop. Maggie McElvenny, a junior, says she wanted to be creative and different this year and decided to make a lioness costume.
“I want to tease my hair and make it really big so it looks like a mane,” McElvenny said. Her boyfriend wanted to match her outfit, so he is going as her lion tamer.
Junior Andrew Hanneman also wants to match his girlfriend, who is dressing up as a peacock.
“I wanted to match her…by being her zookeeper and dressing up in all khakis and a huge beige hat,” Hanneman said.
“I wanted to go with a creative costume and something no one would think of and be original,” said sophomore Ashley Hauser.
Hauser is dressing up in a white t-shirt and carrying around markers for party goers to color on her and complete her “Work in Progress” costume.
There are plenty of fun places in Akron where students can wear their disguises. On Oct. 26, the University will throw its annual Halloween bash, Boo at the Roo, where E.J. Thomas Hall is transformed into a spooky nightclub.
Also, Akron CARES is hosting its first Zombie Walk. Guests should dress as zombies and bring two nonperishable food items and $5 to gain admittance and support local charities.
