A Halloween Masterpiece
[1]
I don’t think there is another Bay Area city that can match Alameda’s celebration of Halloween if one uses yard displays as the measurement. From the sheer number of displays in people’s yards right down to the creativity and detail demonstrated by Alameda residents, I am amazed and honored to bring you coverage of this extravaganza.
This week, I want to acknowledge Charlotte Tlachac, who lives at 1615 Chapin Street, for her ongoing commitment to recognizing not only Halloween, but Thanksgiving, Christmas, and numerous other holidays by curating a major exhibition of seasonal images in her front yard.
On Wednesday and Thursday, I took the time to sniff the hundreds of items she artistically placed among the plants, patio furniture, and fencing. It took me two days to cover this yard, because I realized that to fully appreciate the artistry of this installation one needs to see the work during the day as well as the evening. I highly recommend you do the same. I hope you can take the time to visit this most creative acknowledgement of Halloween.
There were many other displays I covered this week that I will feature in next week’s SPECIAL HALLOWEEN REPORT. For today, I want to recognize the folks at 2025 Alameda Avenue. Each year, they find imaginative ways to dress up and arrange their stockpile of skeletons and gravestones into a clever display.
If you happen to be driving down Willow Street, be sure to check out the awesome dragon at the corner of Clinton Avenue. It is another display that is equally impressive both during the day and at night.
Judging by the 49er yard on San Antonio Avenue, it looks like the team got banged up during the season and that the QB is heading to Chicago.
[2]
This year, Alameda’s turkey population got the seasonal acknowledgement they deserve with a big Tom sitting in the middle of the yard surrounded by hens.
[3]
I was a little disappointed that my hero Snoopy did not show up in more yards. The best I could do so far was Snoopy and Woodstock sitting on a pumpkin. If you happen to see a Snoopy display, please email my HC (human companion) at [email protected] [4] so I can swing by and pay my respects.
[5]
Over on Morton Street, my good friend Tucker put out the Halloween cutouts and a few new items. Just like Charlotte, I can always count on Tucker and his family to bring out the holiday spirit. I can’t wait to see what will go up for Thanksgiving.
[6]
[7]
Over at Crispian Bakery, they were into the Halloween spirit with pumpkin cookies and miniature decorations on the counter.
[8]
And just as a reminder that there is more to October than Halloween, be sure to take the time to notice the signs of fall appearing on Alameda streets.
Last week, I indicated that I would be including an image of a more subtle expression of the fall season that might go unnoticed. This week, I found a beautiful fall wreath with a “welcome” greeting.
[9]
Look for my SPECIAL HALLOWEEN REPORT that I will release on Halloween.
Until then… BOO!
Mouf, Roving Reporter
Bear’s-Eye View of Alameda
Mouf and his human companion can be reached via [email protected] [4]. Their stories are collected at AlamedaPost.com/Jeff-Cambra/ [10]. All photos and videos by Jeff Cambra.