Toast of the town … Halloween

When it comes to good food and great times, Hamtramck has plenty to offer. In this column, we’ll talk about what’s happening at our bars, restaurants and other events that can be found throughout the city.

By Charles Sercombe

This weekend is one of the biggest and busiest nights for bars, outside of the holidays. Yes, there’s something about Halloween that gets adults a bit frisky and eager to party.

Hamtramck’s bars are ready for the thirsty crowds with a host of Halloween parties.

Perhaps one of the grooviest shindigs is at Small’s on Saturday (Oct. 30) where the 3-D Invisibles will pump out their mix of garage, punk and pop thrown into the blender with trash pop culture from the 1960s and 70s.

Add in some sci-fi and monster movies with a cupful of horror comics, throw a pinch of weird TV, stir and chant magic spells and, well, you get the picture. By the end of night, you might feel like howling at the moon.

Oh, there’s also a dress-up contest.

Over at The Belmont, they’ve got two nights of Halloween fun. On Friday, the bar hosts a “Haunted Halloween Costume Bash” with the Jesus Chainsaw Massacre playing. Wow, what a band name. Repeat that name several times fast. Then on Saturday, it’s the “Devil’s Costume Ball.” Hmmmmm … we’re all going to hell anyway, eh?

Things get a little arty over at The Painted Lady on Saturday where a “Celluloid Creeps” film will be shown.

You can count on Virginia Szymanski to get into the spirit of things. Her bar, Jean’s, will throw down a “Spooktacular Halloween Bash” on Friday, featuring cash – yes cash – prizes for best costumed. We’re going to get around to talking with Virg one of these days cause her place has been around here forever and Virg is fun to chat with.

Besides, we like her slogan: “Characters welcome.”

Celina’s is better known for being one of the town’s best sports bars, but this Friday and Saturday it’s all about Halloween with a $100 prize for best costumed. That’s 100 bucks being handed out each night. From the looks of it, you could really rake in some dough this weekend.

Kelly’s Bar is back up and running and for blues lovers, this is the place. Ever since the much missed Attic Bar closed down, blues fans have had nowhere to turn for live music, at least in this area.

On Saturday, Kelly’s will host “Night of the Living Blues & Hell of a Halloween Party.” Talk about prizes, they are offering $100 for best costumed, $50 for most creative and $25 for most gruesome. And if you bring in a carved pumpkin, there’s a cash prize for best pumpkin.

As for the music part, it’s an open blues jam, so all you musicians out there, bring your ax.

We’re not sure if Skipper’s bar needs a calendar or what, but on Veterans Day (Nov. 11), they’re holding a “People of Walmart Costume Contest.” You’d think the bar would want to hold a costume party this weekend, but Skipper’s apparently sails a different course.

And just what are people of Walmart? If you haven’t seen the images of the various shapes and sizes and questionable clothing tastes of some of the shoppers who frequent this place, well, we’ve included a few photos just to whet your appetite (or ruin it?).

This weekend is still Oktoberfest season and Hippo’s still has a special on Spatan Oktoberfest beer – just $3 for a pint. And oh yeah, they’re hosting a Halloween party on Friday.

Here’s a reminder everyone: This Sunday a new state drunk driving law kicks in. For those who blow over two times the legal alcohol/blood level, you will now be charged as being “super” drunk. As you can imagine the fines are even more draconian than ever. Plus, there’s a better chance of being thrown into the hoosegow (for up to six months) and you’ll have to give up driving for 45 days and then when you get your driving privilege back, you have to install a breathalyzer device.

All of this will add up to thousands of dollars you don’t have, and good luck trying to get to work or school.

Cheers to all of you hobgoblins and have a drink on us (but not too many).

Do you know of a cool bar, a great restaurant or just a nice place to hang out? If you have tips on special events or just want to shine some light on your favorite spot send a message to news@thethehamtramckreview.com or call us at (313) 874-2100.

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