The children of Maycomb enjoyed Halloween. For many years, "Halloween in Maycomb was a completely unorganized affair" (Chapter 27). Children in the area were often mischievous and pulled elaborate pranks. One elaborate prank was considered so troublesome that the ladies of Maycomb decided to make a change.

One Halloween, some mischievous children broke into the home of the Barber sisters, two deaf spinsters. On Halloween night,

some wicked children had waited until the Misses Barber were thoroughly asleep, slipped into their livingroom (nobody but the Radleys locked up at night), stealthily made away with every stick of furniture therein, and hid it in the cellar.

When the sisters woke up, they discovered their furniture missing. Bloodhounds were brought in, and the dogs soon found the furniture in the cellar. The ladies of Maycomb were determined to create an event for the area children to keep them out of trouble on Halloween. A pageant was held at the auditorium inside the high school. A variety of events were also set up inside the auditorium, including bobbing for apples and a costume contest with a small cash prize.