This is an annual series documenting my volunteer shifts and outfits for the Salem Haunted Happenings Visitor Information Booth. Every October over 150 local volunteers, coordinated by Salem Main Streets, sign-up for 2-hour shifts on the weekends and holidays to assist visitors from all over the world by handing out guides, maps, and directions, and answering any questions the visitors may have. We had two locations fully staffed this year: the Information Booth on Washington Street (4 people at a time) and a shipping container on Salem Common (2 people at a time). The crowds this year were historic (1,040,600 visitors in October, an 8.6 percent increase over last October, and 87,351 people on October 31, compared to 63,856 in 2023 — a 37 percent increase), but my numbers were pretty low, comparatively. We had so many volunteers this year, that I could only sign up for 2 shifts, but I stepped-in to cover a few shifts that were understaffed.

Date (Location) – Visitors helped per shift – outfit worn (reason why):
10/5 (Info Booth) – 263 – Ambassador Witch (because it’s my traditional first outfit)
10/6 (Info Booth) – 278 – Kilted Ambassador Witch (because it was unseasonably hot out!)
10/19 (Common) – 448 – double shift (4 hours) – Hogwarts Alumnus (because it still fit…)
10/26 (Info Booth) – 479 – International Trader (it was an old Ren Faire costume that still fit)
10/27 (Common) – 198 – Orange Ambassador Witch (it suddenly went from 70s to 42 degrees F!)
11/2 (Info Booth) – 162 – double shift – no costume (because Hallowe’en was over)

I helped 1828 people! This doesn’t count the dozens I helped each day while walking to or from my shifts. I always made sure I had a bag full of maps and brochures, just in case. Last year I had nearly 3000 over my 8 shifts. If it was so much more crowded, why were my numbers so low? I think a lot more people came prepared than in the past, and they just didn’t need our help, or maybe they just didn’t want to interact.

In addition to the booth, I also helped-out at the Howl-o-ween Pet Parade, which had over 180 entries again this year! I registered pets and helped the announcer identify each contestant by name and number so the judges could take note. We had groups of Guinea pigs, a few cats, a chicken (dressed as a parrot on the shoulder of a pirate), groups of rabbits, and tons of dogs. Our master of ceremonies was Bailey Warren, dressed as the tooth fairy, accompanied by his human: Senator Elizabeth Warren! I wish I had had time to take pictures of all of the costumes, but I was too busy. There are some videos and photos online, like this one.

Here are some photos:

The inclusive Pride Flag pin was part of the Hogwarts Alumnus outfit (I didn’t get a picture, so I’m including one from last year – this year had a bow tie and a fancy vest). I specifically covered the Hogwarts symbol on the robes and made sure that the pin was visible at all times. My intention was to let people know that you can still be into an artistic creation without agreeing with its creator (or give her more money). I still got smiles from children and those oblivious to controversy. On my walk home, I caught the tail end of a conversation from a couple that were walking in the opposite direction as they came near. One turned to the other and said “No no! Look, it’s OK. He’s one of us. He gets it.” I have an idea for a dedicated post on this subject that I’ve had in Draft mode for over a year now. Maybe I’ll get to it soon.

I bought the orange suit because I had gained so much weight that nothing really fit well. My idea was to cover it in patches or rhinestones like my Rhinestone Cowboy suit from last year, but I ran out of time. Elise, one half of Salem Main Streets, showed-up to a cat-themed event in the Tuxedo Cat outfit and gave me the idea for making it a orange cat. I may work on this suit for something else for next year. We’ll see.

I initially felt bad about ‘just wearing a coat’ for the really cold day, but I got SO MANY comments on the coat (I had made it a few years ago because I couldn’t find any for sale) and hat (I made that for a different outfit), that it worked out well.

Did I help you this year?!? Let me know in the comments!