Trick or Treat?

Anneke van Wyk goes nuts for halloween. Photo/John Borren

A tradition which started off with a few balloons has turned into an iconic community eventfor one Papamoa family.

Those familiar with Golden Sands Drive will know the "Halloween House" in question which has been a must stop destination for trick-a-treaters in the neighbourhood for years.

The brainchild of Anneke Van Wky, her husband Johan and son Andrew, the trio have been preparing props forTuesday's big reveal for more than a month.

Lasttime around the family enthralled with pirates, ghosts, a graveyard and two skeletons pushing a wagon. But more surprises were in store, Anneke says.

"We are working on a big surprise this year. It is going to be something totally different with some new props which are almost finished."

In the meantime she had just packed 1500 bags of lollies for the hordes of spooky kids they were expecting to show up.

Anneke estimated the family had spent $1000 on Halloween 2017 but they wouldn't have it any other way.

"It all started seven years ago when we first moved here from South Africa as we did not celebrate Halloween there. So I thought we would try something and started off with a few balloons."

However,it did not take long for that concept to pick up momentum.

"The next year we tried something different but over the past few years it has just got bigger and bigger."

Being able to put a smile on kids faces made it all worthwhile, she said.

"We like to be able create some fun for everyone to enjoy and really love it."

Halloween kick off at the Van Wky house is 5pm, Tuesday October 31.

TIPS AND TRICKS
We all know the basic Halloween tips - make sure your child's costume fits and is non- flammable, don't wear a mask, wear makeup instead and put reflective tape on your child's costume so they can be seen if it's dark. But there are several things most parents probably don't think of.
# Costumes should be loose enough around the body so warm clothing can be worn beneath it, without it being too loose that it snags on items.
# Children should wear well-fitting, flat shoes, not high heels.
# Wigs and beards should fit properly and should not cover ears, nose or mouth.
# When buying makeup, make sure it is labelled non-toxic. Also, note some children break out in a rash when using some brands of makeup.
# Someone in the group should carry a flashlight. Not all areas are well-lit and a flashlight will help light the way and illuminate any pot holes, cracked footpaths, etc.
# Remind children not to eat their lollies or any other treats until they return home and everything has been checked.
# Remind your child to walk on the footpath.
# Children should not enter the homes of strangers, but stay at the entrance outside. All children should be accompanied by a parent or adult caregiver.