With ghouls, goblins, witches, and superheroes preparing to run rampant in the streets in search of sugary treats, we wondered about how associations contribute to the Halloween tradition.  Here’s a snapshot:

Frightful Fun

The Halloween Industry Association, officially incorporated as a 501(c)(6) in 2005, serves to “promote and build the celebration of Halloween in the United States,” according to its website. HIA represents businesses that manufacture, import, and distribute Halloween products,  including costumes, decorations, party supplies, and novelty items.

A lot of those items are put to use in haunted houses throughout the country, which have an organization of their own: The Haunted House Association helps connect nonprofit haunters, actors, set designers, haunted house suppliers, and other related vendors. The organization “was established to assist and advance the haunted house industry through communication, education, and information,” according to HHA’s website.

What’s Halloween without costumes? Just a bunch of neighbors going door to door asking for handouts, really. Since 1923, the National Costumers Association has kept Halloween much more interesting than that, supporting promotion and expansion of the costume industry.

And speaking of candy, the National Confectioners Association has a webpage specially designed for the All Hallows Eve. In addition to sharing fun facts about Halloween and candy corn, NCA reports the results of a poll that shows adults are stashing candy for themselves. “Adults are looking to share the sweetness of the holiday by giving out, and in many cases saving for themselves, their personal favorite treats,” said NCA Vice President of Communications Susan Whiteside in a statement.

Safety First

The American Lung Association shares helpful tips each Halloween on how to prevent asthma attacks while trick-or-treating. Masks and makeup can trigger asthma, as can food allergies and stress from hay rides and haunted houses, the association reports.

Also on the health front, the American Heart Association offers tips each year for parents to help their kids maintain a healthy heart and still enjoy the treats they collect. AHA also has advice on what to do with all of that leftover candy.

Know of other organizations that play a role in making Halloween happen? Let us know in the comments.

(photo by wwarby)