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Getting in character

The Costume Closet ready to help with Halloween

THE COSTUME CLOSET volunteer manager Gloria Frederickson displays the Queen of Hearts character, one of thousands of costumes available for rent this Halloween season at the shop in Crystal Falls. (Terri Castelaz/Daily News photo)

CRYSTAL FALLS — Halloween is a time when everyone can play at being someone or something else.

The Costume Closet in Crystal Falls can help in that.

“The shop has Halloween costumes from A to Z,” said Gloria Frederickson, volunteer manager. “And if you are looking to be unique, even better — we specialize in creative costumes.”

The Costume Closet is a one-stop shop, meaning everything is included in the rental outfits — hats, gloves, glasses, jewelry, whatever it takes to make the ensemble complete.

Popularity of costumes vary each year.

“Pirates are always a sought-after outfit,” she said. “This year so far, we have seen a lot of ‘Star Wars’ and super hero characters and, of course, for those in a group, ‘The Wizard of Oz’ theme is always done.”

Frederickson said she’s seeing more “creepy” get-ups, especially with the masks.

They have many regular shoppers that put in their requests early, so Frederickson advised coming in now before it gets busy.

Frederickson established the volunteer-based, non-profit Costume Closet in 1994 as part of the Crystal Theatre.

“The Closet started out with people just giving us some formals and robes,” Frederickson said.

They first set up in the theater basement, the second floor and what now is called Stage Left, she said. The generosity of Jim Coombs in 2008 allowed the closet to relocate to 304 Superior Ave.

The Costume Closet’s very small budget means it does not buy clothing or other items, but relies on donations to build their inventory. That also allows them to keep prices down compared with other costume rental sites.

“We received many items from Angie’s Costume Shop when they closed,” Frederickson said. “St. Vincent de Paul has also been very good to us.”

Over the years, the collection has grown to thousands of articles of clothing and accessories that fills both stories of the building.

Sizes range from toddler boys and girls through adults.

But Closet doesn’t try to compete with retail stores, Frederickson said, noting the shop can’t replace what they have.

This year because of the over abundance of inventory they are having a special Halloween sale on selected children’s costumes and boutique items.

They also have patterns that can be borrowed for making costumes.

“I have helped make many costumes over the years,” Frederickson said. “I love making different pieces.”

The shop isn’t just for Halloween. They offer rentals for any situation that requires “dressing up.”

“We try to cater to whatever people’s needs are,” she said.

The Costume Closet also helps many area productions with their wardrobes as much as possible. They are also assisting with costumes for the Haunted Asylum, the haunted house located in the former Alpha Porter School this weekend.

“We have provided outfits for the annual Valentine’s Day event at Iron County Medicare Facility for years,” Frederickson said. “We also help out with the Caring House fundraisers.”

They have also presented many fashion shows over the years from Marquette to Appleton, Wis.

The shop is open 4 to 6 p.m. Mondays and Thursdays and 10 to 2 p.m. Saturdays. Anyone who is unable to make store hours can call 906-875-6219 to make an appointment.

A deposit is required for all rentals and costumes must be returned in a timely fashion. Rentals for full costumes start at $25.

The Closet always welcomes more volunteers. “Come join the fun,” Frederickson said.

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