Winning The Contest

Hey Spooky, got your costume figured out yet for Eddie Delahunt's 5th annual Pooka Party? I do. But hey, there's always second place in the costume contest. I know it's hard to come up with something original. I mean, yeah, you could go rent a costume. Or dress up as A Licensed Fictional Character® like Batman or Dick Cheney or something. But you're not that lame. You need something different. Something one-of-a-kind. Something that reflects your love of Irish Fest. So here are a couple Irish Fest-centric concepts for you, easily assembled out of stuff you've probably got laying around the house. You're welcome.

1. Our Fiddle Playing Cow: Step one: get a dead cow. Hollow it out (put down plenty of newspaper and ask mom before using her good spoons, kids!). If it doesn't already have one, paint a big shamrock shaped spot on its side. Wait, maybe do this step before you hollow it out. Climb inside cow suit and have a friend sew you in and hand you a fiddle. Don't forget to smile. Bonus: if you have a midget friend, get them to dress up as the cow's little bird buddy!

2. Fish & Chips: This is a group costume, ideally. Get some friends. Again, midgets are ideal. Have the biggest of your group -let's assume that's you- soak your self in beaten egg yolks. Roll around in flour. Gently deep fry. Careful! That oil can be hot, but I'm pretty sure the flour will act as an insulator. Okay, you're the fish. Now pour malt vinegar on the midgets (they're the chips) and you're done! Oh yeah, put he midgets in brownish colored unitards first. Salt liberally. Maybe wrap a few in greasy newspaper for that authentic touch. A sure winner!

3. Outgoing Irish Fest President Ed Scanlon: Get a duck costume and a pair of crutches. And no, I'm not going to make a midget joke. He's only got a couple months left. Let's not pile on.

4. One Of The Big Inflatable Bouncy Things: Purchase a really enormous clear plastic bag. Get in it. Seal the bag tightly and inflate it with air. Maybe reverse the order of two things. Whatever works. Oh, back up. Before you seal it, throw in a bunch of dolls. These represent the kids, see? Do NOT use actual children. Now, seal up the bag and inflate it. Periodically pick up the dolls and toss them around to simulate children jumping. A colorful hat wouldn't be a bad idea.

There you have it. I've done the creative part. You get the costume built and come to Harling's. Click on that awesome poster right there for all the details.