Halloween Spirit Thrives in Rural New Jersey Town

Fri Oct 31 2025 01:32:31 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

As Halloween approaches, small-town traditions come alive in Blairstown, New Jersey, reflecting a growing enthusiasm among families across the United States.

In Blairstown, New Jersey, Halloween celebrations are in full swing, led by local residents like Sherry Jenkins. The town, known for its connection to the classic horror film 'Friday the 13th,' embraces Halloween with numerous festive activities. A recent poll reveals that two-thirds of U.S. adults will participate in Halloween festivities, especially among parents with children under 18. While many Americans express their love for the holiday through decorations, costumes, and trick-or-treating, others maintain a more moderate approach to celebrating this spooky season.

NEW YORK (AP) — Sherry Jenkins, a Halloween enthusiast living in Blairstown, New Jersey, finds herself in the heart of a town where the iconic horror film 'Friday the 13th' was filmed. This rural community not only attracts tourists drawn by the film's history but also celebrates Halloween with a local parade and a variety of festive activities.

Jenkins, now 69, embraces the Halloween spirit with gusto, hosting friends and distributing candy to a massive crowd of trick-or-treaters—up to 1,000 each year. She reflects on her role in the celebrations, stating, We’re definitely where the party is, as she decorates her yard and considers a costume for her dog.

A recent poll from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research indicates that about two-thirds of U.S. adults are planning to celebrate Halloween, with parents of children under 18 showing even greater enthusiasm.

Parents Embrace the Holiday

Eight out of ten parents with children under 18 are preparing to celebrate Halloween, compared to around 60% of adults without kids. Among them is Jessica Byrd from Kingman, Arizona, who describes Halloween as her favorite holiday, sharing it with her children as they plan to dress up and trick-or-treat together.

Fred Joncas from Durham, North Carolina, also joins in the tradition with his young daughter, excitedly sharing that she has been looking forward to Halloween since May. Around one-third of U.S. adults indicate they will participate in trick-or-treating or watch a scary movie.

A Diverse Approach to Halloween

While some like Byrd go all out with year-round decorations and themed costumes, others take a more reserved approach. Karalyn Kiessling from Michigan considers herself and her husband moderate Halloween fans, enjoying parties but avoiding excessive decorations in their home.

According to the poll, about 30% of adults plan to display Halloween decorations, and 25% will carve pumpkins. Meanwhile, Jenkins, still relishing the thrill of a good horror film, declares that Halloween brings a safe kind of excitement.

This Halloween, whether it is through extravagant celebrations or quiet festivities at home, the spirit of the holiday sparks joy and creativity across communities in the U.S.