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Kimberly Houk ReportingIt's a last-minute shopping rush for Halloween costumes. Discount stores and costume shops report sales are up the day before the 'spooking' starts.
This year you'll see a lot of super-heroes and characters from popular box office hits. The popular theme this year seems to be pirates. Halloween costume trends tend to follow what's big at the box office, and Pirates of the Caribbean is stealing the show this year. But that's not the only costume that'll turn heads.
From Tina Turner to Scarlet O'Hara people are going through rows of costumes trying to find the perfect fit. The most popular kid's costume this year seems to be Sponge Bob. Like most adults want to be characters from popular movies, kids usually want to be their favorite cartoon character.
So what are the best ways to keep your little pirates or Harry Potter look-a-like safe? Some things to keep in mind: all trick-or-treaters should carry a flashlight, and stay in well-lit, familiar neighborhoods; obey traffic laws; wear light clothing or things with reflectors; and never enter a stranger's home or car!
And parents, make sure your child is accompanied by an adult. Know the route your trick-or-treater plans to take; put identification inside your child's costume, but make sure it's not visible on the outside; and allow only flexible plastic knives, swords or other props.
