Jane Moon
mugshot
Last year, I planned for Halloween several months ahead. I ordered my costume Online, and I made sure that I had everything to go with it. My best friend, who goes to another school, and I made plans to meet up that night. Then Oct. 31 came and I jumped in my boyfriend’s car and we headed to Franklin Street in Chapel Hill, and the trouble started there.
First, it took an hour and a half to park, not including the drive up there. Also, it was cold, even though I probably should have been wearing more clothes. When we finally got to Franklin Street, which was a 20 minute walk from where we parked, we didn’t go into any buildings because we refused to pay the cover charge.
On top of that I couldn’t even make a phone call that night, so I never got up with my friend. At least I got a good workout from walking up and down that nasty street, avoiding vomit and clusters of drunken, creepy men and their camcorders. After a couple hours, we got fed up and went back to Raleigh.
I went to Franklin Street last year expecting to see creative costumes, events and even a bit of organization. I saw a few costumes that impressed me, but I mostly saw “sexy” school girls, “sexy” cats or other animals and the customary not-so-sexy penis costume.
I saw dozens of policemen, some of whom even drove in from Charlotte, waiting on the sidewalks doing nothing but making googly eyes at the college girls in compromising costumes. I regretted wasting my gas, time and patience while getting to Franklin Street last year. I went because people told me it was something every college student in North Carolina should do at least once, or suffer through once.
Even if you have planned on going to Franklin Street for a long time, I encourage you to change your mind. Well, I encourage you to always stay away from Franklin Street. Besides my less-than-perfect experience, take into account the other, better option: Hillsborough Street!
Students can donate cans and get a T-shirt and get a wristband that allows them to get specials for dinner, snacks and drinks.
According to the Haunted Hillsborough Hike Facebook event, attendees can also donate canned goods on the night of Halloween. So even if you’re shivering in the frigid 40 degree weather, you’ll feel warm and fuzzy inside knowing that you helped “Spook Hunger.”
I really hope that Hillsborough Street is going to have a big turnout and that everyone, especially students and alumni come and have a good time. Heck, I don’t even drink, but I’m going to promenade on the street that will one day host one of the biggest Halloween parties in the state.
If you see me, feel free to give me a high-five or tell me what you think about my columns (please be nice, I’m sensitive). I’ll be the girl dressed as a koala, engorging myself in I Heart New York Pizza and sipping hot chocolate.
Send your thoughts on Halloween celebrations to [email protected].