First published in the Oct. 27 print issue of the Outlook Valley Sun.
Halloween may fall on a weeknight — and on Monday of all days — but that doesn’t mean fun can’t be had in La Cañada Flintridge heading into the holiday.
With coronavirus transmission rates down compared to the previous two years as a result of COVID-19 mitigation efforts, more holiday-themed events are making a comeback.
The Crescenta Valley Sheriff’s Station is hosting its first Halloween event since the pandemic with a Trunk or Treat this Saturday from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. A costume contest will be held, classic cars will be on display and attendees can participate in a walkthrough of a haunted crime scene.
The annual Halloween Haunt fundraiser event at the La Cañada Elementary playground will also take place on Saturday from 10 a.m.-4 p.m., featuring game booths as well as costume and pumpkin carving contests. It is the school’s largest fundraiser of the year with auction items that adults can bid on.
On Monday, many LCF residents and their children will trek over to Indianola Way between Houseman Street and Knight Way for the tradition of trick-or-treating on the block, which will be closed off to traffic. The city endorses the event by waiving all permit fees and placing barricades at both ends of Indianola Way. Deputies from the CV Sheriff’s Department will be present to patrol the area and monitor traffic.
Another area locals can visit is Montrose, which will have a family-friendly Halloween Spooktacular on Monday from 5 p.m.-7 p.m. Merchants in the Montrose shopping area on the 2200, 2300 and 2400 blocks of Honolulu Avenue will decorate their shops and pass out treats for young trick-or-treaters.
Descanso Gardens is celebrating the spooky season with an event that features hundreds of carved pumpkins lined up along the Camellia Forest. The experience runs through Oct. 31 and tickets can be purchased online at descansogardens.org.
Captain Robert Hahnlein of the CV Sheriff’s Station looks forward to seeing community members enjoying Halloween at the trunk or treat event and elsewhere but advises everyone to celebrate with caution.
“Make sure if you’re walking with your kids, wear reflective clothing because a lot of the streets are dark in La Cañada. You want to make sure the kids are seen,” he said. “Also, make sure you know where your kids are so they don’t dart into traffic because obviously there’s going to be a lot more traffic.”
Hahnlein also reminded residents to keep their homes well-lit so no one wearing a costume trips and falls and to deter any burglars.
“Be cognizant, and just be extra cautious during Halloween and the holidays,” he added.
