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Halloween is when people of all ages let their creativity run wild, choosing and designing costumes that transform them into someone or something else. Whether it’s the thrill of putting together the perfect costume, the excitement of showing it off, or just having fun with friends and family, dressing up has become a cherished tradition for both kids and adults. Costumes let us step into a new character, embrace a little fantasy, and make memories that last long after the candy is gone.
This year, why not take a unique spin on your Halloween costume and celebrate Arkansas’s rich history and culture by dressing up as a famous Arkansan? From legendary political figures like Bill Clinton to cultural icons like Johnny Cash, Arkansas is home to a variety of well-known personalities that can inspire your Halloween getup. Whether you want to channel your inner musician, politician or athlete, there’s no shortage of ideas that are both fun and uniquely connected to the Natural State.
Here’s a fun guide to famous Arkansans and legendary creatures, along with costume ideas to help you dress the part this Halloween:
Mark Martin
Who: NASCAR legend from Batesville, Arkansas, who had a long and successful racing career.
Costume Idea: A racing jumpsuit or jacket with sponsor logos is a must. My son George was also into lawn care at the time and is sporting No. 6 and the Scotts Miracle Gro logo along with a Mark Martin Ford ball cap.
Bill Clinton
Who: Former Arkansas Governor and the 42nd President of the United States, born in Hope, Arkansas, known for his charisma and love of saxophone.
Costume Idea: A classic Bill Clinton costume could include a suit and tie with a patriotic pin or sticker. Add a saxophone (real or toy) as a nod to his musical talent and consider using a gray wig to replicate his later years in politics.
Hillary Clinton
Who: Former first lady, U.S. Senator and Secretary of State, originally from Chicago but deeply connected to Arkansas through her time as the state’s first lady.
Costume Idea: A smart pantsuit (often in a bold color like red or blue) with a pearl necklace and a short blonde wig will do the trick. Carry a briefcase or laptop bag, and consider adding a copy of her memoir, What Happened.
Photo courtesy of Keisha Pittman McKinney
Razorback Fan
Who: The die-hard supporter of the Arkansas Razorback.
Costume Idea: Dress in Razorback red and white, complete with a Razorback jersey or T-shirt. Add face paint, a foam finger, and a Hog hat to really show off your team spirit. Don’t forget to call the Hogs at least once throughout the night—“Woo Pig Sooie!”
Sarah Huckabee Sanders
Who: Former White House Press Secretary and current Governor of Arkansas.
Costume Idea: Wear a solid color scoop neck dress with a pearl choker and mid-chunky hoop earrings. Carry a folder or binder to give the impression of being prepared for a news conference. If you want to go the extra mile, add a dark-colored wig with a center part.
Public Domain
Johnny Cash
Who: The “Man in Black,” a legendary country musician from Kingsland, Arkansas, known for hits like “Ring of Fire” and his deep, soulful voice.
Costume Idea: Dress in all black with a classic black button-up shirt and pants. Carry an acoustic guitar.
Glen Campbell
Who: Country music singer, songwriter and actor from Delight, Arkansas, famous for songs like “Rhinestone Cowboy.”
Costume Idea: Go for a ‘70s cowboy look with a rhinestone-studded jacket or vest, a cowboy hat and a guitar. Add a sparkly scarf or tie for extra glam.
Photo by B Wendell Jones, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
John Daly
Who: Colorful professional golfer known for his long drives and laid-back attitude, hailing from Dardanelle, Arkansas.
Costume Idea: Wear wild, brightly colored golf pants with a garish pattern – Daly is known for his eccentric style. Pair it with a mullet wig with straight cut bands and don’t forget a golf club.
Mary Steenburgen
Who: Academy Award-winning actress from Newport, Arkansas, known for roles in films like Elf and Step Brothers.
Costume Idea: Dress up as one of her iconic characters, wearing a classic business suit or a casual dress and a pair of gold earrings.
Photo by Dennis Adair, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Bobby Portis
Who: Razorback basketball and NBA star from Little Rock, Arkansas, known for his passion and grit on the court.
Costume Idea: A basketball jersey from the Milwaukee Bucks or Arkansas Razorbacks, paired with a headband and basketball sneakers. Don’t forget a basketball!
Hazel Walker
Who: Pioneering women’s basketball player, coach and Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame inductee from Ashdown, Arkansas, who played for the Arkansas Travelers and the All-American Red Heads.
Costume Idea: Wear vintage-style basketball shorts and a tank top in red and white and knee pads. Add a whistle around your neck to channel her coaching days or carry a basketball for a nod to her playing career.
John Grisham
Who: Bestselling author known for his legal thrillers, including The Firm and A Time to Kill. He was raised in Southaven, Mississippi he was born in Jonesboro and lived in Arkansas during his early childhood. His book A Painted House is a fictional account of his childhood. The movie was filmed in Lepanto.
Costume Idea: Wear a white button-down shirt, tweed jacket and reading glasses on a chain. Add a briefcase if desired.
Photo by Steve Lipofsky via Wikimedia Commons
Scottie Pippen
Who: NBA Hall of Famer from Hamburg, Arkansas, known for his time with the Chicago Bulls.
Costume Idea: A Bulls jersey (preferably #33) paired with basketball shorts and sneakers. A sweatband and a basketball complete the sporty look.
Credit: © psihoyos.com
Sam Walton
Who: Although born in Oklahoma, the founder of Walmart and Sam’s Club made Bentonville, Arkansas his longtime home.
Costume Idea: Wear dress pants, a suit jacket and tie. Don’t forget a baseball cap with a Walmart logo. Carry a Walmart shopping bag to collect your candy.
Douglas MacArthur
Who: Five-star general and World War II hero, born in Little Rock, Arkansas.
Costume Idea: A military uniform with medals and a general’s cap will give you that commanding presence. Sunglasses and a corncob pipe are key accessories to complete the MacArthur look.
Picture courtesy of Brittney Lee.
George the Peacock at Garvan Gardens
Who: A beloved peacock that roams Garvan Woodland Gardens in Hot Springs, Arkansas.
Costume Idea: A peacock costume with vibrant feathers, a blue bodysuit, and face paint will capture George’s striking appearance.
Picture courtesy of Brittney Lee.
Patsy Montana
Who: Country music’s first female superstar from Hot Springs, Arkansas, known for her hit “I Want to Be a Cowboy’s Sweetheart.”
Costume Idea: Dress as a classic cowgirl with a fringed vest, boots and a cowboy hat.
Ne-Yo
Who: Grammy-winning rhythm and blues singer-songwriter who was born in Camden, Arkansas.
Costume Idea: Jeans, button-down shirt, brightly colored kicks, a stylish fedora and sunglasses, channel Ne-Yo’s suave stage presence.
Arkansas Folklore Monster Costumes
Not all famous Arkansans are human. Arkansas is home to some interesting folklore monsters. Halloween seems like the perfect time to dress up as a monster.
Heber Springs Water Panther
Who: A mythical creature said to live in the waters of Heber Springs, described as a large, cat-like beast.
Costume Idea: Black clothes, cat ears and cat face makeup with aquatic elements like blue scales or fins will give you the water-dwelling vibe.
Used with permission from the Fouke Monster Festival.
Ozark Howler
Who: A legendary cryptid from the Ozarks, described as a black, wolf-like creature with glowing eyes and horns.
Costume Idea: A black furred costume with wolf-like features, along with glowing red eyes and small horns.
Fouke Monster
Who: Arkansas’s version of Bigfoot, the Fouke Monster, allegedly roams the swamps of southern Arkansas.
Costume Idea: A full-body gorilla suit or Bigfoot costume with mud stains or faux moss to give that swampy feel. Add glowing red eyes for an eerie touch.
White River Monster
Who: A mysterious aquatic creature said to inhabit the White River near Newport, Arkansas.
Costume Idea: Wear a sea serpent costume, incorporating shades of green and blue. Add some aquatic accessories like faux seaweed and fish to really channel the river’s spirit.
The Gowrow
Who: A fearsome dragon-like creature from Arkansas folklore, said to have tusks and leathery wings.
Costume Idea: A dragon costume with tusks and wings will embody the Gowrow. You can enhance the look with scales and fiery makeup.
These fun, Arkansas-themed costume ideas will make you stand out this Halloween! And remember, when dressing up as famous Arkansans, it’s important to be respectful and avoid stereotypes.
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