A perfect fit: Edmonds Halloween costume swap draws families
Alexandra Smith of Edmonds chose this pirate costume during the Green Halloween Edmonds Costume Swap.
When Green Halloween Edmonds organizer Melinda Knight arrived at the Edmonds Coldwell Banker Bain office Saturday morning, she wasn’t sure what to expect: Would families show up to the first-ever Edmonds Green Halloween Costumer Swap event, one of many Costume Swaps sponsored nationally by the Puget Sound-based non-profit Green Halloween? And more important, would there be enough costumes to choose from?
Success on both counts: Families did show up by the dozens, and for many kids, the problem was too many choices, as 9-year-old Alexandra Smith could attest. Alexandra, who came with her brothers Jared, 4, and Michel, 7, tried on several outfits, from princess to cheerleader to Star Wars storm trooper, before deciding on a snazzy pirate outfit complete with ruffled shirt and black knickers.
Parents and grandparents accompanying the children to the Costume Swap were equally pleased with the event. “I just like the idea of recycling,” said Edmonds resident Karen Orstad, who accompanied her 9-year-old son, Jarod.
Brothers Jared and Michel Smith show off the costumes they'll be wearing. Green Halloween Edmonds organizer Melinda Knight, dressed as Oscar the Grouch, is at the right.
Marsha Moore of Lynnwood brought her daughter Trinity, age 5, who decided on a Princess Jasmine costume. “This is the third year in a row she’s been a Disney character,” Moore said.
Knight, who runs her own Edmonds-based online business for women inventors, Womentorz, will continue her Green Halloween presence at the downtown Edmonds Halloween Extravaganza from 5-7 p.m. She and other Green Halloween Edmonds sponsors, including My Edmonds News and Sustainable Edmonds will be hosting a booth offering a variety of healthy treats and fun activities. Green Halloween is a Puget Sound-based national movement to make Halloween more healthy for children and more sustainable for the planet.
Jarod Arstad -- with his mom, Karen -- checks out the hat display.
What a wonderful article Teresa. Thank you for being part of the event and such a huge help!!! Your support has been so greatly appreciated!!! Thank you!
And thank you to all of the families who participated. Your generosity and enthusiasm was absolutely incredible!!! All of the leftover costumes will be donated to the local YWCA, so even if you didn’t come to swap for a new costume your contribution is greatly appreciated and needed.
Thank you for your incredible efforts, everyone! So glad the event was an overwhelming success. Can’t wait for Green Halloween Edmonds!