This Ohio Costume Shop Keeps The Halloween Spirit Alive All Year Long
Over 1,500 masks stare back at shoppers in one old-school Ohio store, and some were made just for it. I’m convinced some places never lose their magic.
This is one of them.
A fortune-telling Zoltar machine greets you at the door. Glass candy cases and wooden bins hold classic sweets, plus lollipops with real crickets inside.
To me, this is the kind of place kids beg to visit before the car even leaves the driveway. Ten-cent toys and vintage gags make grown-ups feel that same pull again.
Halloween runs here all year, not just in October. When was the last time a shop made you grin before you even parked?
A Century Of Fun Started With A Humble Five-And-Dime
Back in 1929, a family opened a five-and-dime variety store in downtown Fairborn. Nearly a century later, Foy’s Halloween and Variety Store is still run by that same family.
That makes it the oldest store in Fairborn, which is quite a title to hold. Four generations have kept the doors open and the shelves stuffed.
The roots go back even further. Before the variety store, the founder ran a sweet shop bakery in Versailles, Ohio, starting in 1912.
So yes, sugar is basically part of the family tree. That explains the candy cases, and honestly, I think it explains the cheerful mood too.
Halloween didn’t take over right away. The store leaned hard into spooky stuff in the early 1970s, when shoppers kept asking for more.
The family listened, and then they kept going. Through the 1980s and 1990s, they opened several themed Halloween shops along Main Street.
The big birthday is coming up fast. Foy’s is set to turn 100 in 2029, which sounds like a great excuse for a party.
I love that a place this old still feels playful instead of stuffy. Few businesses manage to age this well while still handing out rubber spiders.
Knowing the backstory makes every aisle more fun to explore. You’re not just shopping, you’re browsing a living piece of small-town Ohio history.
You’ll Need A Minute To Take In All Those Masks
More than 1,500 different masks fill the main store. That’s not a typo, and it’s not a small rack in a back corner either.
Some of them were custom-made just for Foy’s Halloween and Variety Store. Good luck finding those at a chain shop at the mall.
The variety is the real thrill. Classic monsters, goofy faces, and creepy creations all share the same space, so every glance turns up something new.
To me, this is the heart of the whole experience. A mask selection this big turns shopping into a treasure hunt.
Planning a costume? Start here, because the right mask can carry an entire outfit on its own.
It also helps to bring a friend who will be honest with you. Some masks look amazing on the shelf and hilarious on your face.
Even if you aren’t dressing up, the display is worth a look. Kids love pointing out the scariest ones, while adults usually pick out the silliest.
The selection stays put all year long, too. That means a summer costume party or a spring theater show can get the full Halloween treatment.
Snap a quick mental note of your favorites as you go. With this many choices, you’ll want a shortlist before you decide.
I’m convinced nobody leaves without trying at least one on. Consider it the unofficial rule of the store.
Let A Mechanical Fortune Teller Predict Your Day
A glowing glass booth sits near the entrance, and inside it waits Zoltar. The animated, coin-operated fortune teller greets shoppers the moment they arrive.
Yes, it’s the same style of machine made famous in movies. Drop in a coin, and Zoltar delivers your fortune with plenty of drama.
Kids tend to stare, and grown-ups tend to grin. I think it’s the perfect welcome for a store built around fun and a little spookiness.
Starting your visit with a fortune sets the mood right away. You stop thinking about errands and start thinking about adventure.
Here’s a tip for families. Let each person get a fortune, then compare them at the end of the trip to see who got the best one.
Keep a few coins handy before you head inside. Nobody wants to miss their prediction because their pockets came up empty.
The booth also makes a fun meeting spot if your group splits up. ‘Meet you at Zoltar’ sounds way cooler than ‘meet you by the door.’
I love that a store this old still finds room for theatrical touches. It shows the family knows that shopping should feel like entertainment.
So go ahead and ask about your future. With a whole store of masks, candy, and costumes ahead, it’s probably looking pretty bright.
Your Sweet Tooth Is About To Get Brave
Dried cricket lollipops are sold right alongside familiar classics at the candy counter. Chocolate-covered insects sit nearby for anyone feeling extra bold.
Don’t panic if bugs aren’t your thing. The old-time counter also stocks classic sweets and bulk candy in glass cases and wooden bins.
That setup feels wonderfully retro. Scooping candy from bins brings back the thrill of choosing treats one piece at a time.
To me, the candy counter shows how well Foy’s Halloween and Variety Store mixes the past with the playful. Grandparents will spot treats they remember, and kids get to discover them fresh.
The bug candy makes a fantastic dare. Challenge your crew to try a cricket lollipop, then watch the faces as the wrapper comes off.
It’s also a smart pick for party favors. A bag of bulk candy or a few creepy-crawly treats makes any Halloween bash feel special.
Remember the founder’s sweet shop bakery from 1912? The candy counter feels like a fitting nod to where it all started.
Give yourself time to browse every case. Some treats hide in plain sight, and the fun is in spotting them.
I believe every great outing needs a snack for the ride home. This counter makes sure yours is a little more adventurous than usual.
Ten-Cent Toys Still Exist, And They Live Here
Ten-cent toys are still on sale here, which feels almost unbelievable today. Vintage gags and tiny trinkets fill the shelves like it’s a different decade.
The main store keeps its classic five-and-dime spirit. Wooden floors, glass cases, and packed aisles make every corner worth a second look.
Checkout keeps the old-school charm too. The store uses older registers instead of scanners, so the beep of modern shopping fades away.
I think that detail is pure delight. It reminds you that shopping used to feel friendlier, and honestly a lot more fun.
Kids get a real thrill here. A small handful of coins can turn into a bag of goodies, and that feels like serious buying power.
Adults get something special too. The gags and toys spark the giddy feeling of picking out a prize at the end of a school week.
Beyond toys, the variety side stretches wide. You’ll spot party favors, balloons, and all kinds of fun odds and ends mixed in with the spooky stuff.
Bring a little patience and a lot of curiosity. The best finds usually hide on the lower shelves or behind something louder.
Leave your phone in your pocket for a bit. The aisles reward slow, wide-eyed wandering.
To me, Foy’s Halloween and Variety Store works like a time machine you can shop in. And unlike most time machines, this one sells candy.
Costume Emergency? Consider This Your Rescue Squad
A forgotten costume party can sneak up on anyone. Luckily, the main store carries costumes, wigs, props, and party supplies all year long.
That year-round stock matters more than you’d think. Birthday themes, school plays, and spirit days happen in every season, not only in fall.
Wigs alone can change an outfit completely. Pair one with a mask or a prop, and you’ve got a full look without much fuss.
Party planning gets easier here, too. Balloons and party favors share the shelves, so one stop can cover decorations and goodie bags.
The rental side is where things get extra fun. Foy’s Halloween and Variety Store rents costumes, helium, and popcorn, cotton candy, and sno cone machines.
A cotton candy machine at a backyard bash? That’s an instant upgrade, and kids will remember it for ages.
Spooky prop rentals are on the list as well. They make great party guests because they never complain about the snacks.
Ask about rentals early if you have a big event planned. That way your sno cone dreams are ready to go on time.
Costume shopping with friends turns into its own event. Try on a few looks and vote on the winner before checkout.
One Store Turns Into A Whole Street Of Spooky Shops
Main Street in Fairborn holds more than one Foy’s storefront. The family runs several themed shops close together, and each one has its own personality.
The Adult Costume Store stays open all year, as does the Rock-N-Roll Grill. That grill is a 1950s-style diner, so lunch comes with a side of nostalgia.
Other shops open mainly in October. The Children’s Costume Shop, the Haunted Museum, the Haunted House Store, and the Glow Shop join the party then.
The Haunted House Store focuses on supplies for spooky setups. If you build a home haunt every year, it’s a must-see stop.
The Glow Shop has a name that pulls you right in. Anyone who loves things that light up will want to peek inside.
Hopping between shops feels like a fun little quest. I think that’s half the reason some folks plan whole weekends around a trip here.
Visitors come from hundreds of miles away and from other states. That says a lot about how special this little stretch of Ohio has become.
Start at Foy’s Halloween and Variety Store, then wander from there. Save the diner for the middle so you can refuel before round two.
Check which shops are open before you go. October brings the full lineup, while the rest of the year still offers plenty to explore.
Wear comfy shoes for this one. Main Street becomes your playground, and you’ll want to see every door.
October Turns Downtown Into A Halloween Wonderland
Pirate ships and haunted horse-drawn coaches have shown up in downtown Fairborn. The Foy family decorates the area on a huge scale every Halloween season.
Properties and empty lots become giant displays. Even the family’s homes get dressed up, so the spooky spirit spreads well beyond the stores.
I’m convinced this is the best time to visit. The whole downtown starts to feel like one big, friendly haunted playground.
Bring a camera for the outdoor scenes. The displays make fantastic backdrops for family photos, costumes and all.
Kids will spot something new around every corner. Adults will too, though they might pretend they’re only there for the kids.
Still, the main store keeps the fun rolling long after October ends. Foy’s Halloween and Variety Store is open year-round, so a winter or summer trip still delivers.
Plan an afternoon, not a quick stop. Between the masks, candy, Zoltar, and sister shops, there’s plenty to fill the hours.
Pack your sense of humor and a few coins for the fortune teller. Leave room in the car for at least one surprise purchase.
The countdown to the 100th birthday in 2029 makes every visit feel a little historic. Why not start your own tradition now?
You’ll find this one-of-a-kind spot at 18 E Main St, Fairborn, OH 45324. It’s about to become your favorite excuse to act like a kid again in Ohio.