Many Dubbo residents celebrated Halloween on October 31 with the popularity of the tradition rising more each year. 

Ms Drake said she “proudly displays her carved pumpkins, decorations and spooky music” and keeps candy available every year. 

However, she said the reason behind her Halloween tradition is more than just “spooky fun”, it has become a sentimental way of remembering her father.  

“Most holidays here are far more subdued than they are there [USA] … it would be great to see more people get into the Halloween spirit around town,” she said. 

“It’s a nice way to meet your neighbours, admire the creativity people have put into their costumes and to have a good laugh or scream. 

“I’d love to see a Halloween parade in the park or more porch lights on signalling a house that has candy, but I recognise the difference in culture here and I respect that.” 

Ms Drake’s draws her Halloween tradition from her family-roots in Cincinnati, “honouring” the way she and her father used to celebrate.

“It has always been my favourite holiday but even more so because it was something my father and I shared while he was alive,” she said.

“We would get dressed up, go trick-or-treating, explore the neighbourhood haunted houses, and spend the evening devouring candy and dreaming up next years’ costume.

“It’s a sentimental holiday and honouring the traditions my father and I shared is a way for me to honour him. It’s turned into more than just spooky fun.” 

Last year she carved out pumpkins while watching the 1966 short It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown.

“I decorated the front yard with tombstones, my carved pumpkins, and passed out lollies to the adorable trick-or-treaters,” Ms Drake said.

“This year I did most of the same but there weren’t may kids on my street so I have heaps of leftover lollies.

“While the origin of Halloween is quite different to the way we celebrate now, I love any reason to get dressed up, have a little fun, and feel the joy of being silly.”