(Photos courtesy of Michele Boylstein, Executive Director of the Halloween & Costume Association)
Written by Colleen Bement, Editor
Rusty the Clown, Ursula, and Sasquatch Lead the 2026 Fang Favorite Finalists
Halloween is just one week away and both cosplayers and costume enthusiasts are either in their final stages of creating their ultimate looks. Sewing machines and glue sticks are hard at work with putting together what they hope will impress their friends and maybe even win a costume contest. Nerd Alert News is caught up in the excitement as we continue our spooky season coverage.
Out of New Jersey, the Halloween & Costume Association (HCA) announced their 2026 Spooky Awards “Fang Favorite” finalists and we wanted to share these company’s costume ideas. Although there is not a lot of time left to get that costume together, these creative pieces might just spark an idea. Halloween fans and consumers voted on these imaginative creations and this year’s finalists were crazy unique. The Rusty the Clown is pretty terrifying, while the Ursula idea could make quite the entrance into any party. Sasquatch would certainly keep someone warm while partying outside, and that Big Horns Devil might make someone rethink their choices in life!
The annual Fang Favorite competition gives Halloween enthusiasts, cosplayers, and fans of all ages the opportunity to recognize their favorite products from among the Spooky Awards finalists. These eight finalists represent the products that captured the attention of Halloween fans, highlighting the imagination and innovation of manufacturers across the industry. The 2026 Fang Favorite winner will be announced on January 11th during their Spooky Awards ceremony at Mardi Gras World in New Orleans in conjunction with the Halloween & Party Expo Stay tuned to the HCA’s website for more information.
2026 Fang Favorite Finalists by Category
The Halloween & Costume Association is known as an industry source for Halloween, and they represent member companies with cumulative sales of $4.3 billion. The association has earned its reputation as an expert on all things costume-related and serves as a nonprofit voice for the industry. Co-owned by the Halloween & Costume Association and Clarion Events, the Halloween & Party Expo is North America’s premier trade-only event for Halloween and party products. The 2027 Expo will be held January 11–13 at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans, bringing together established industry professionals, emerging creators and the latest products. For more information, visit www.halloweenpartyexpo.com
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