One of my favorite things about doing a blog is that it forces you to go to places you’ve never been and more often than not, it turns out to be a pleasant surprise. The other day I was driving down Main Street to work and noticed a store that’s been there as long as I can remember, The Costume Trunk. I’ve driven by this store for decades and have never stopped in. Well, today all that changes. Let’s hop on over to The Costume Trunk and see what’s it’s all about, Alfie.
I still have a bit of fear on driving on the interstate, but despite that fear, here I am snapping a photo of us cruising down I-74 on the way to the Costume Trunk on Main Street.
And here we are!
Let's go inside and see what kind of junk is in this trunk!
Here's the owner, Steve Spain holding one of the many handmade masks in the shop. Despite the serious look on Steve's face, he a funny and friendly guy. Steve's family owned and operated Spain Photography, which most long-time Peorians will remember. His sister Delayne carries on the family business and you can check that out here.
Steve agreed to give us a tour, so let's go check out the Costume Trunk.
There's a case of theatrical hats in the front counter which inevitably leads to...
Obligatory London Bobby mirror shot!
If you're looking for a discounted Santa suit, Steve said he'd cut you a good deal on one of these outfits.
I love the Costume Trunk clock!
Happy animals line the ceiling.
These guys look they need some air to breathe!
That middle bee is causing me to have a John Belushi flashback!
There's lots of masks on display and many of them are one-of-a-kind handmade items.
A lot of the costumes here you can rent.
And Steve points out that most of them, like the masks are handmade, quality costumes.
This reminds me I need to get back to Ferdinand's Wigs.
In addition to costumes, there's a nice variety of novelty items and magician's supplies.
Looks like the Dracula Fangs are a popular item!
Fake moustaches sit above colored wigs patiently waiting to be fixed atop someone's stiff upper lip.
If you're in dire need of a fake moustache or some Dracula Fangs and you don't live in the Central Illinois area, don't fret, they ship anywhere.
There's an additional room to the store, next door, so let's go check that out.
All items in this room are for sale, there's no rentals in here.
Suddenly...hats!
A couple outfits for the Superwoman in your life.
Here's a wall of costumes in a bag, let's check them out.
Honey I shrunk Ashton Kutcher!
I wonder if this Jackie O. costume comes with a bag of JFK brain splatter?
Steve rents apartments in the building and he calls the complex, "The Trunk Tower." Ha, I told you he was a funny guy!
I had to buy something, so I went with the plastic chicken. I may come back tomorrow for some of those Dracula Fangs.
With chicken firmly in hand, I head out the door and onto Main Street. See you all tomorrow!
The Costume Trunk
710 West Main Street
Peoria
309-637-4234
Further Reading: Bloglines, Peoria Magicians Assembly and Numero.
P.S.
I'm going to be interviewed today by Frank Carmichael on the show "Happenings Q & A" which is broadcast out of Kenosha, Wisconsin. The interview happens at 2:15 PM, CST.