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CNN Live Event/Special
America Recovers: Americans Opt For Patriotic Halloween Costumes
Aired October 10, 2001 - 06:55 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
CAROL LIN, CNN ANCHOR: America's scariest holiday is just around the corner, but Halloween may look a little different this year.
LEON HARRIS, CNN ANCHOR: Yes, I'm betting here. Costume retailers say that many people are shying away from the typical fright-night rentals that you see every year.
Well, Tara Lofstrom of our affiliate KFTY shows us what's hot this Halloween.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Wonder Woman.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Wonder Woman.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Yes, Wonder Woman would be cute.
TARA LOFSTROM, KFTY REPORTER (voice-over): Grab your torches and tall hats, Halloween is just around the corner, and costume shops nationwide are reporting a surge in sales for patriotic garb -- the Statute of Liberty, Uncle Sam and Betsy Ross all sold out.
JENNIFER BONGIRNO, CUSTOMER: I think they're really against, you know, the scary-type costumes this year, you know, and the masks and the really dark costumes.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Mistress Kitty (ph).
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Do you think I could pull it off?
LOFSTROM: Jennifer Bongirno finally decides on Wonder Woman. Super hero, firefighter and police officer attire is also flying off the shelves. Still, costume sales are down this Halloween.
MAX THIERIOT, 8TH GRADER: I think it's because of the tragedy that not as many people are already getting in the stores and getting their costumes. It's kind of sad.
LOFSTROM: Cari Hanson, who owns House of Humor, was asked by customers to tone down her gory storefront display in light of the recent terrorist attacks. She happily substituted it with an angel.
CARI HANSON, HOUSE OF HUMOR: It has impacted everybody all over the nation, so we're feeling it here too.
LOFSTROM: Do you think folks just won't be in the mood to celebrate Halloween?
HANSON: I think the younger crowd will be, like the college students. We're still getting the college students in and the children.
LOFSTROM (on camera): Presidential masks have always been a hit every Halloween. Last year, Bush and Gore were the top sellers, and it should come as no surprise that Bush is once again this year's big seller.
(voice-over): But you'd better shop quickly. Patriotic costumes are on backorder already, and since most distributors are headquartered in New York City, shipments have been delayed at least one week.
While some may not feel up to partying this season, many Americans say they are ready to take their minds off world events.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE CHILD: (Dancing) You rock (ph) it up and down and all the way around.
LOFSTROM: And focus on fun.
In Santa Rosa, California, Tara Lofstrom for CNN.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
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