Thrift shops hold Halloween treasures

If your Halloween costume lacks a pair of new pink and black patent leather high heels, ladies size 14, you're in luck.

Hurry over to the Helping Hands Thrift Shop in Gardnerville which just happens to have a pair in stock.

Maybe you fancied a Strawberry Shortcake hat or a child-size Batman mask. Those needs could be met at the Barton Hospice Thrift shop in Minden where Halloween costumes of all sizes were marked down to $1.

Business was brisk Friday as schools were closed for Nevada Day.

"I had a costume just like this!" exclaimed Shanleigh Brethauer, 14, of Dayton, who was shopping at Helping Hands on Friday with her best friend, 141Ú2-year-old Briana Manning, and Briana's great-grandmother, Norma Snyder, both of Gardnerville.

There was a lot to choose from: old graduation robes, wedding ensembles, evening gowns, animal outfits, squeaky shoes and clown costumes.

"Clowns scare me. I have a phobia of clowns," said Briana as she put back the funny suit.

Shanleigh couldn't decide between a short black jacket for her "Rocky Horror Picture Show" Transylvanian costume or the "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" outfit.

Briana said she wouldn't trick-or-treat tonight, but Shanleigh was ready to roll.

"People say we're too old, but I am going to trick-or-treat until I'm 80," she said, trying on a full-face sheep mask.

At the Barton Hospice shop, manager Cheryl Wright said there had been a steady stream of customers Friday.

Kerry Radelfinger and her two children Paige, 5, and Jace, 2, were sifting through boxes of costumes, hats and other accessories perfect for Halloween.

"People are just pulling clothes out and putting costumes together," Wright said.

Paige already had a tiny witch costume, and Jace had plans to dress as Spiderman.

Radelfinger was looking for her own costume and held up a short black lace dress.

"I don't think that's it," she said, moving on to a full-length, bright yellow Belle costume from Walt Disney's "Beauty and the Beast."