You know you're missed when

I've often said that Halloween is the "funnest" thing that Red Lodge does so it was a little hard to miss out out on all the fun this year. Halloween is taken seriously by kids all over this country but no group of adults (wanting to be kids again) shows as much reverence for this day than the good folks of Red Lodge, Montana. It's one of those nights when people you haven't seen all year show up for the party. It's the night to see and be seen.

One thing you have to be prepared for on Halloween is that everything is fair game. Certainly politicians get it worse than most but no one or thing is untouchable in the unwritten rules of Halloween, Red Lodge-style. Costume ideas can come from the places you might least expect. If you're a person who might be in the public eye every now and then, don't be too surprised if find find yourself staring in the mirror in the middle of the main street on October 31st.

I take it as the ultimate sign of affection to have been parodied by my friend Dave Beach this past Friday night. Kudos to him and to all who poured their souls (and mine) into their costumes this year. My list of ideas for next year has already begun.