This Halloween, college students nationwide have stashed the usual French maid or sexy firefighter costume in the closet to instead follow this year’s trend to dress up as the candidates of the 2008 presidential election.
“The election is not about who is better for our country anymore,” junior Daniella Meair said. “The candidates have turned into celebrity figures and students have taken an interest in them more so than ever before.”
Meair added that she thinks the popularity of political costumes is due to the personalities of the candidates.
Some students planning to wear presidential garb feel it will help to promote their political agenda.
“This election is a very emotional one and students feel strongly about it and want to get their voices heard, even if that means dressing up as [Republican presidential nominee Sen.] John McCain to do it,” junior Annette Medina said.
Republican vice-presidential nominee Gov. Sarah Palin is among the most popular costume choices, according to some costume stores.
“AÂ lot of people asked about it. More people have asked about masks, especially of Sarah Palin. We have dressed people in suits with lapel pins and styling different wigs,” said Debbie Weisman of ABC Costume Shop in Miami.
According to online costume superstore buycostumes.com, 4,000 Sarah Palin masks have been sold to young adults around the country.
To imitate Palin’s token style does not come cheap, though. Costumes are typically priced at $70 or more, depending on if the buyer is willing to spend on an elaborate Palin wig.
Students who are on a budget this Halloween can go to ehow.com, which explains how to get that perfect costume without emptying your wallet.
Regardless of political preference, one fact is for sure this election season: Palin and Democratic presidential nominee Sen. Barack Obama are in, while Playboy bunny and Fred Flintstone are out.
Costume Shops
Miami Twice – located on Bird Road
Party City – located on US1
Ricky’s – located on Lincoln Road
Spirit Halloween – located in the Sunset Shops
Halloween Events on Campus
Halloween Events
Halloween Ibis Ride to the Grove on Oct. 31
The Cosford Cinema is having a Halloween Weekend and showing spooky movies before and on Halloween
Sacred and Magical Trees – Gifford Arboretum, 5 p.m. Thursday
Hallelujah Party in the UC Ballroom C&D from 7 to 11Â p.m. Friday