In 1995, Omaha was bustling with school kids gearing up for Halloween. From winged angels to invisible men, they had their costumes ready. The most important words of the night were “trick-or-treat,” and KETV NewsWatch 7’s Julie Cornell hit the streets to see what treats awaited after saying those words.
As part of her exploration of Omaha streets on Halloween, Julie encountered a variety of characters and houses welcoming trick-or-treaters. One particularly welcoming house belonged to Ethel, who showered the kids with handfuls of sweet treats. Ethel, who didn’t have children of her own, saw Halloween as a way to maintain her youth and enjoy the spirit of the holiday.
Throughout the neighborhood, scarecrows, witches, and even eight-legged creatures added to the spooky ambiance of the night. Despite some creepy vibes and encounters, the promise of delicious candy like M&M’s, Starburst, Snickers, Kit-Kats, and bubble gum made it worth braving the scary decorations.
While Ethel enjoyed Halloween and greeted kids with a scene from Alfred Hitchcock, she confessed that she didn’t get as into the holiday spirit as some of her neighbors. Despite the eerie atmosphere of the night, the joy of giving out candy and seeing the excitement on children’s faces made it a memorable experience for everyone involved.
In addition to the Halloween festivities on the streets of Omaha, local archives from KETV showcased the popular homemade Halloween costumes from 1981. From fruit-themed outfits to historical figures like Anthony and Cleopatra, the costumes reflected the trends of the time. A local costume shop owner shared insights into the most sought-after costumes of the year, highlighting the creativity and variety of choices available to Halloween enthusiasts.
Another archive from 1993 highlighted a massive pumpkin patch event where thousands of families gathered to pick out the perfect pumpkins for carving. The excitement of choosing the right pumpkin and preparing for Halloween added to the festive spirit of the season.
Overall, Halloween in Omaha in 1995 was a mix of spooky decorations, sweet treats, creative costumes, and community gatherings. Julie Cornell’s exploration of the streets captured the essence of the holiday and the joy it brought to people of all ages.
