As Halloween nears, the Mast Store checked in with several of its familiar friends who – while strange – are no strangers to the holiday. We surveyed these classic characters to find out their favorite festive candies in Mast General Store.
While some chose Halloween treats you might expect, others went with sweets that might surprise, or even “trick,” you. All the selections, however, reveal a tasty morsel about their spooky personalities.
Vampire – Black Jack Chewing Gum
What does Count Dracula chomp between nighttime neck nibbles? Why, it’s Gerrit J. Verburg Black Jack Gum! The lively licorice is perfect to quench his thirst while also acting as a much-needed, post-bite breath freshener. From its unmistakable taste down to its familiar wrapper your grandparents kept to ward off foul breath, it’s no wonder the Prince of Darkness keeps these on hand atop his coffin-side table for a quick gnaw before retiring at daybreak.
Jack-o’-Lantern – Sizzlin’ Cinnamon Jawbreakers
Only one candy can light you up like a Jack-o’-Lantern: Sizzlin’ Cinnamon Jawbreakers. Pop only one of these spice bombs, and you’ll be glowing like a pumpkin packed with a hundred candles! These intense candies burn with a fire that generations have challenged their taste buds to try. Nom on the nostalgia and see how long your palate can handle this potent pleasure, but beware its power to set your mouth aglow like a Jack-o’-Lantern.
Werewolves – Peppermint Candy Puffs
Peppermint Candy Puffs?! “Why this wintry cool Christmas mint?” you ask. Well, what if you were up all night howling at the moon? Your throat would be a little sore the next day, too, no matter the season! While no man, woman, or wolf can turn down this refreshing lozenge, there’s also nothing that visually captures the dual nature of the lycanthrope lifestyle better than the alternating spiral stripes of a peppermint. Just be mindful of the dubious prescription: Take one at night and call Dr. Jekyll in the morning.
Frankenstein – Wax Lips
As Dr. Frankenstein assembled his monster limb by limb and piece by piece, there’s one glaring thing he left out… Lips! That’s why the monster Frankenstein prefers Wax Lips as his Halloween candy. How else would he kiss the blushing Bride of Frankenstein? And, after all, what’s reanimated life without love? Try a pair of these sweet cherry lips for yourself, and enjoy a silly, tasty retro treat that’s been around nearly as long as angry, torch-wielding village mobs have chased this misunderstood, lovelorn creature on movie screens throughout cinematic history.
The Mummy – Rainbow Licorice Laces
It’s important not to unravel as you celebrate Halloween, especially if you’re the Mummy. In his case, getting wrapped up in the season is a good thing, which is why you’ll find Rainbow Licorice Laces twisted throughout his trick-or-treat basket. As the Mummy ties up loose ends of past millennia, each yummy rainbow strand adds a pop of playful color… Just what the afterlife calls for following a few thousand years of being couped up inside a dusty, dark sarcophagus.
Witch – Gummi Worms
“Double, double toil and trouble; Fire burn and cauldron bubble,” goes the most famous recipe William Shakespeare never intended to write. The Witches he depicts preparing this objectionable potion toss in a putrid pantry full of icky ingredients, including, quite likely, their slimiest, lip-licking favorite, Gummi Worms. Whether traditional or sour, these classics are ideal enhancements to any Witches Brew and add the dash of umami that pleases every culinary-minded occultist.
Ghost – Warhead Super Sour Spray Candy
Emerging from an ethereal mist of lip-smacking levitation, Ghosts can’t get enough Warhead Super Sour Spray. A few blasts of this pungent fog will turn your mouth inside out. Luckily, a ghost never has to worry about such problems! Floating from one flavorful mist to the next just might resolve any unfinished business these spirits are seeking once they realize this candy is the only thing to be sour about in the hereafter.
Black Cat – Swedish Fish
Any curious cat may dip its paw into the fishbowl, but on Halloween, black cats specifically come out to dip theirs into the candy bowl. What sugary confection is swimming in it to lure a bad-luck feline? Swedish Fish, obviously! While these gummi candies have been long-time, year-round favorites of kids around the world, Mom and Dad might fish some out while they wait on trick-or-treaters… They best be wary, however, of crossing paths with a prowling black cat that’s heading toward the candy bowl for its own share.
Spider – Cotton Candy Pop Rocks
Oh, what a tangled web the Spider weaves… No cobwebs here, but instead they hang sweet morsels of Cotton Candy Pop Rocks. Evoking the eeriness of soft, brightly colored bundles of spun sugar, these treats are packed into popping pebbles just like your other favorite flavors of Pop Rocks. This is one web you wish you could get caught in as you hope the crackling comes from the candy bites rather than the eight-footed steps of a creepy-crawly, long-legged arachnid inching toward you across its web.
Heed these creatures' haunted advice before heading to the Mast Store to choose Halloween candy for this year’s flock of trick-or-treaters or your own eerie enjoyment. Have a happy, safe, and scarily scrumptious Halloween, everyone!
Downtown Trick-or-Treating
Several downtowns host trick-or-treating on or near Halloween. Some have costume contests, storytime at the library, and other activities. Let the boys and ghouls explore their alter-egos (and the adults, too) in the spirit of Halloween – then maybe enjoy a bite to eat on Main Street.
Trick or Treat on Main Street – October 31, 2026, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Downtown Greenville
Boone Boo – October 31, 2026, 5-7:30 p.m., Downtown Boone
Treats on the Street – October 31, 2026, 5-7 p.m., Downtown Waynesville
Treat Street Carnival – October 31, 2026, 5-8 p.m., Downtown Hendersonville