Spidey Saves the Day
Holy Halloween costumes, Batman! A Bangkok, Thailand fireman recently came to the rescue of an eight-year-old boy dressed in his trusty superhero costume. Inflicted with autism, the young boy climbed out onto a three-story window ledge after being unsettled in the first day of his special needs school. Crying and visibly upset, teachers tried to unsuccessfully coax the child to come back in; however, the fire station ultimately had to be called.
When the firemen arrived on the scene, they were gearing up to save the child with their traditional methods including air cushions and safety harnesses. But, an off-the-cuff comment about comic books by the child’s mother made rescuer, Somchai Yoosabai, think of a better plan – a plan that any little boy would love. Yoosabai ran faster than a speeding bullet back the fire station and grabbed is Spiderman costume out of his locker. Arriving back at the unfolding situation, now dressed as a beloved superhero, the ingenious firefighter climbed out onto the ledge himself. With a happy ending, the awe-struck kid willingly walked back along the ledge and into the waiting safe arms of his rescuer.
A great story, but everyone always asks why the firefighter had a Spiderman costume stowed away at work. Apparently he likes to wear the Halloween costume to liven up fire drills during his many fire-safety visits to schools. When entertaining and educating the kids in his Spiderman costume, Yoosabai also liked to wear a costume of Japanese television character, Ultraman. Who knew that a comic-book inspired outfits could save a real life by building a bond of trust and safety?!
If you work with children, consider picking out a Superhero costume that suits your own personality or alter ego. We know that superheroes make some of the best Halloween costumes, but wearing a superhero costume is also a great way to make children feel more safe and relaxed in uncomfortable situations, not just when hanging out on a ledge. Just make sure that you pick a “good-guy” superhero that isn’t scary at all, you’d hate for your selection to backfire and make a little one scared or upset. Batman, Robin, Spiderman, Captain America and Wonder Woman all make perfect save-the-day selections for almost any occasion.
Chuy’s Kid’s Giving to Kids Parade – Austin, Texas
Chuy’s is the iconic Tex-Mex restaurant in my home town where everyone goes to get their weekly fix of kitschy décor, margaritas and enchiladas. This dining establishment spreads holiday cheer each year with it’s “Kid’s Giving to Kid’s Parade” that supports the Operation Blue Santa Program. Operation Blue Santa is a charity arm of the Austin Police Department that provides holiday meals and presents to more than 3,500 needy families per year. Typically held in downtown Austin on Thanksgiving weekend, this always anticipated event draws thousands of families who come to watch the elaborate parade floats, hear the festive marching bands, and gawk at the inflatable character balloons. Everyone is invited to bring a new toy to donate to underprivileged children when Santa’s sleigh rolls by.
Anyone who’s ever been to one of the Chuy’s locations knows the joint loves to love Elvis. The velvet paintings of the King of Rock and Roll are always a high note in the restaurant as are the many Elvis-inspired dishes like the yummy potato-chip crusted chicken. So, it wouldn’t be an honest-to-goodness Chuy’s holiday parade without the legend himself showing up on the back of a big-finned convertible! Don’t get all shook up, there is no mistaking the man in his white Thunderbird Elvis costume, gold rimmed glasses and mutton-chop side burns.
Actually, you’ll find plenty of folks dressed up in Elvis costumes and almost everything else you can imagine (as well as some costumes you never could have imagined until you see them!). The city’s motto is, after all, “Keep Austin Weird”! Volunteers dressed up in reindeer antlers or in holiday elf costumes help with crowd control and keep the spectators entertained. We’ve even seen parade participants wearing every type costume you can image, not just holiday costumes such as Christmas trees, candy canes and Victorian Carolers. Happy parade marchers also wear many outfits considered Halloween costumes such as Spiderman costumes, Batman Costumes, Curious George Costumes, Bob the Builder costumes and more! And, why not? The event caters to the kids and reminds them of their favorite playtime toys!
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