A pop-up Halloween costume swap is up and running in the city's Terrace neighbourhood. (Photo Courtesy of Ross Lavigne)

By Chris Brown

Halloween help

Costume swap pops up in city’s north

Sep 17, 2020 | 12:56 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – It’s a Halloween shop that’s anything but spooky and scary.

Mandi Christensen has established Conroy’s Costume Swap on the front lawn of her home at 8 Terrace Avenue NE. People can trade an old costume that doesn’t fit anymore for a new one.

“We’ve set up a costume swap and the idea is with COVID and everything that’s happening now people have lost their jobs and been laid off so they can’t afford to go out and buy these new costumes. So I’ve decided I’d set up a little swap or trade,” said Christensen, adding that people who want a costume for a newborn can just take one without leaving a costume behind.

The swap is running on the honour system and Christensen only asks they been clean, wearable and in good condition.

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A police officer, a lion and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle are some of the costumes already on the rack.

Christensen says Halloween is her favourite holiday and will have many decorations on her house closer to Oct. 31.

She hopes kids will get see them when out doing a little trick-or-treating.

“I really want to see the kids out. I don’t think many of them are going to be knocking on doors but if we can leave bags out and make sure that when you’re getting bags together for the kids or whatever wear gloves and do all of the proper procedures to keep everybody safe. You want to see the kids out. I mean it’s Halloween, right,?”

Christensen isn’t limiting the shop to costumes and encourages people to drop off costume accessories and decorations as well.

She was inspired to set up her shop after seeing how successful one a friend in Calgary did a couple of years ago.