Costume problems solved

By Jenny Gembala

What are you going to be for Halloween? I found this great Burger King uniform from the 1970s/80s at a thrift store last year. For those of you who are planning on getting dressed up this year, but have no idea what to be or where to get it, I have just the place for you. It’s called Tool Time Rentals, 1802 Sycamore Road, next to the Salvation Army thrift store.

-There are many different types of costumes to please everybody. Costumes range from the usual 1920s flapper, jail birds, monks and French maids, to full gorilla and lion suits, ballroom dancer gowns, Greek and Roman style togas and accessories, pimp costumes with hats and, my personal favorite, the flasher, which is a trench coat with a flesh colored body suit underneath and an attachable … ahem. If you are not satisfied with the costumes in the store, you can look through a magazine and order one.

“It usually takes about five to 10 days to come in,” said Steve Robinson, the store’s manager.

Tool Time’s costumes range in price from around $15-$45, depending on how elaborate a costume you are looking for. Most of the costumes are for rent, but some can also be bought.

Tool Time Rentals also sells make up, masks, wigs, hats, small props and some decorations. They even have a coffin that holds about three half-kegs.

“It’s a big hit with the fraternities,” said employee Jason Johnson.

Beside renting costumes, Tool Time Rentals rents a whole lot more. For example, if you’re having a party and need a cotton candy machine, popcorn popper, snow cone maker, large grills (propane or charcoal), canopies, dance floor, tables, chairs, dunk tank, a moon walk (those things you used to jump in when you were a kid, and maybe still do) or even light up signs, then Tool Time Rentals is the place for you. You can even rent things for weddings, such as arches, gazebos, champaign/punch fountains, candelabras and more.

Along with party equipment, Tool Time Rentals rents to home owners and local businesses for do-it-yourself projects.

“I’m here today to get a cement cutter,” said Bill Myers, a Genoa resident who visits the store a few times a year. “It’s a good place.”

They rent out anything from snow-blowers to lawn mowers, post hole diggers, chipper/shredders, carpet shampooers, trucks and trailers, moving equipment and more. Tool Time Rentals also does small engine and tool repair.

If you do decide to rent out something big and you want it delivered, the store will deliver it to you.

But if it’s a Halloween costume you’re looking for, now is your chance to get one.

“From now until Halloween are the busiest days for us here, selling costumes,” Robinson said.

For information about Tool Time Rentals, call (815) 748-2121.Jenny Gembala photo

The costume section of Tool Time Rentals is only on display during Halloween; but costumes can be bought or rented throughout the year.