For the first time since the onset of the pandemic, most people are feeling ready to celebrate Halloween without restriction and it's evident at Calowna Costumes.
"I think that everybody is really excited to do Halloween," said Kerri Brandel.
Brandel is a co-owner of the shop, and she's been involved for 32 of Calowna Costume's 40 years in business.
"This is what I do," she said.
Part of that is tracking trends, but this year there's been no single character that people are gravitating to.
"There's been really no trends this year, said Brandel.
"It's not been scary, it's not been superheroes, it's just been a little bit of everything."
Walk in the door and right away you can spot all the accessories you need to pull together whatever idea you're working on.
"Cat ears, tails, tutus, hats, steampunk stuff, suits, fishnets, wigs," lists Brandel. "Contact lenses have been another big one this year."
Step further into the store and you will find some very exclusive pieces, including some fascinating and intricate leather creations from local artist, Tait McGuire.
"It's a cobra costume," said Brandel, pointing out one signature piece.
"He actually made the whole outfit, it has snakeskin on the front, it has the chakras going all down the back. He's pretty passionate about what he does."
But it's in the back where Calowna Costumes has its rentals.
Four decades of garments to turn you into any character you can imagine.
If you don't have anything in mind, the staff will help you come up with something.
"We kind of get a piece of what you want to be," she explained. "Like do you want a couple costume, so that you're matching."
From Hocus Pocus to Elvis, to knights and vikings, it's all on the racks.
"We try to make it really cool, we personalize it back here," said Brandel.
"We try our best to make sure you're looking awesome when you go out there."
Halloween is Monday this year, so for many, this Saturday will be the night to put on a costume and celebrate.
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