Are you a fan or are you a bit like me: a card carrying member of the fun police?

No matter where the conversation starts, Halloween is a polarising topic of conversation.

It appears that very few people don't have an opinion.

And before anyone jumps into the debate with the rejoinder 'we're not America', Halloween actually started in Ireland. 

A long time ago.

It's got its roots in ancient Pagan and Celtic rituals, according to a few websites currently doing the rounds.

It was based around a festival called Samhuinn - or, the end of the light half of the year – that took place a few thousand years ago.

Irish and Scottish residents celebrate Halloween with fires, games and traditional foods.

Other countries with Halloween traditions include Mexico, Romania, Japan, the Philippines, India and Poland.

In the US, the tradition apparently took hold in the 1880s with the arrival of many Scottish and Irish immigrants to their shores.

And it didn't take long for retailers to catch on with the commercialisation of the event quickly following.

Australians appear to have a love-hate relationship with Halloween.

Look no further than the Facebook page ‘Halloween is un-Australian’ as a guide.

Read more: Etiquette and safety guide to Halloween

In Port Macquarie, North Shore residents have been celebrating Halloween for a number of years.

This year is no different.

Organised by the Northside Progress Association, the annual event will again feature fun and games, food - including a wonderful gingerbread house.

Association president, and cake builder, Carla McKern says Halloween is a long-running event for the North Shore residents.

"We generally get between 50 and 60 people along on the night," Mrs McKern said.

"There are plenty of fun and games organised for the kids and we have some prizes to give away, including a couple of home-baked gingerbread houses.

"The RFS brigade will be there with a barbecue and council is also coming along to talk to residents about our future plans."

The event is on Kangaroo Park from 5.30pm until 7pm after trick or treating.

Port Macquarie-Hastings Council will also be attending on Wednesday night where staff will be talking with residents about the Community Plan and also calling for nominations for the steering committee.

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