Halloween Town.

It has a nice ring to it, doesn’t it.

It’s Mocksville.

That’s right, Mocksville is officially Halloween Town. You read it here first.

The town leaders didn’t adopt a resolution. You won’t find it on a sign, or even online. But Mocksville is, without a doubt, Halloween Town.

It kind of just morphed into the role.

Come to Mocksville on Wednesday evening, Oct. 31, and you’ll see why. There will be little ghosts and goblins, and little super heroes and princesses all over the place.

North Main Street will be filled with people.

David and Rosemary Cozart and family always go all out with a theme for the year, even with a stage for the little ones to strut their stuff own. It’s fun for them, and for the little ones.

More recently, Justin and Aubrey Draughn have gotten into the action. Jukebox Rehab will provide live music there. Bring a lawn chair, and plenty of candy to hand out to the trick or treaters. They’re hungry little devils.

Some downtown merchants will be handing out candy, as well.

Over in Garden Valley, not far from downtown, and see the trail Jeremy and Susan Young and their family have laid out. You won’t believe what is around each corner at the Holly Lane Haunt. And it is free, although they do request donations for Samaritan’s Purse for hurricane relief.

And there’s the Davie Parks & Recreation’s Halloween Spooktacular, complete with the Little Brock of Horrors. It’s on North Main Street, as well. Food vendors will be set up there, too.

We shouldn’t have to remind folks to be careful that evening, especially if driving in or near Downtown Mocksville. The little ones will be sugar-filled and excited and hard to contain, so watch out for them.

Halloween is becoming more and more of a mainstream holiday, with folks nationwide expected to spend some $9 billion – repeat, $9 billion – on candy and costumes and decorations this year.

For some reason, Halloween has always been one of my favorite holidays.

Growing up in the 60s, Mocksville was the place to be. We lived outside town, and our parents would bring us to town, drop us off and tell us to be back at a certain place at a certain time. Times have really changed, so that is not an option anymore. If you take your kids trick or treating, stay with them.

There was one house on Garner Street that everyone had to visit. They had speakers hidden in the trees to trick – and sometimes – scare us.

I remember one year, 1968 I think it was, when my mom dressed me as an Uncle Sam of sorts. I had a Tupperware bowl for a tall hat, complete with red, white and blue paper. Pretty snazzy. I had a big cardbox for my body. On it was splattered every political bumper sticker and button we could find, and there were plenty that year. I think it was the year George Wallace ran as a third party candidate for president.

I got first place and a silver dollar for a prize. I probably still have that silver dollar, although I don’t know which one it is out of my current stash. But to a 10-year-old boy, I thought I had struck it rich.

I’ve had – and been to – quite a few parties on Halloween. Eaten way too much cake, as well. Probably going to have another party this year. Weather permitting, there will be a bonfire and plenty of adult beverages. If someone comes, that’s fine. If they don’t, that’s fine, too.

It’s my birthday and I’m celebrating. It doesn’t take much for a 61-year-old man to have a party. But come early. Birthday or not, bedtime is early for old men.

– Mike Barnhardt