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Clowns, politics, movies lead costume choices at local stores
Clerks see concern from parents over certain costumes
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Party Shop Emporium in Gainesville has a variety of masks including handmade clown masks that are usually extremely popular. However, every few years the owners of Party Shop Emporium notice certain costumes that customers shy away from. - photo by Erin O. Smith
While clown costumes are still selling at Party Shop Emporium, the disguise is coming with a dialogue. “A kid will want to do the mask, and a parent will say no,” the shop’s owner Neil Clark said, adding the parent will often worry about the child’s safety. The purchases are still going through in most cases, but the concern is something not seen before for the Gainesville fright night shop owner.