Halloween gears up in Hollister and nearby cities
For most children, the opportunity to get a bag full of free
candy from their neighbors is reason enough to enjoy Halloween. And
with All Hallows Eve falling on a Friday this year, kids may have
more time than normal to collect treats.
While the candy collecting won’t begin for another week, events
are already under way that will help children of all ages get into
the Halloween spirit. Throughout the tri-county area, there is no
shortage of sweet Halloween-themed things to do.
Halloween gears up in Hollister and nearby cities
For most children, the opportunity to get a bag full of free candy from their neighbors is reason enough to enjoy Halloween. And with All Hallows Eve falling on a Friday this year, kids may have more time than normal to collect treats.
While the candy collecting won’t begin for another week, events are already under way that will help children of all ages get into the Halloween spirit. Throughout the tri-county area, there is no shortage of sweet Halloween-themed things to do.
Here are some ideas for enjoying the unofficial holiday:
HOLLISTER
Swank Farms: The family-friendly corn maze features acres of paths that are a challenge to navigate, along with Halloween-themed children’s activities such as a cow train and a jumping pillow, along with fun for the whole family at 2600 San Felipe Road. On Friday and Saturday nights, however, prepare to be scared until midnight at the Nighttime Maniac Maze or visit the Sinisterium, which features professional frighteners. The Conover Mystery Ranch, located within the corn, may also send a shiver down your spine.
Fun Night: The annual pre-Halloween event features carnival-style games and Halloween fun for the entire family at Sacred Heart Parish School, 670 College St. Open 5-9 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 25, Fun Night features a costume contest, haunted house, rock wall, laser tag, a cake walk and sweet treats, all within the school grounds. Details: www.sacredheartschool.org.
Pumpkin Junction: Casa de Fruta, located at 10021 Pacheco Pass Hwy., features loads of pumpkins along with a train, sluice and carousel. Stroll through Scarecrow Alley to see scarecrows donated by locals. Details: www.casadefruta.com or call 408-842-7282.
No Tricks, Just Treats: The annual event will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 25 in downtown Hollister. Activities include a pumpkin walk, pumpkin bowling, a costume contest, miniature golf and much more.
SAN JUAN BAUTISTA
Dia de los Muertos: Celebrate the Day of the Dead with El Teatro Campesino from Halloween through Nov. 8. Starting on Oct. 31, the event includes a performance of “Esperanza del Valle,” displays of traditional and artistic altars, a procession through San Juan, and family activities. Tickets are $20 for adults; $18 for seniors and students; and $12 for children. El Teatro’s playhouse is located at 705 Fourth St. in San Juan. Details: 623-2444 or online at www.elteatrocampesino.com.
CARMEL
Point Sur Ghost Tours: On Friday, Oct. 24 and Saturday, Oct. 25, enjoy a sunset walking tour to the Point Sur Lightstation, with refreshments in the barn followed by ghost stories by actor/storyteller Kevin Hanstick. Located on Hwy. 1, 19 miles south of Rio Road in Carmel, dessert and hot drinks will be served at the Visitors’ Center as part of the $50 admission fee. Reservations are required. Proceeds benefit the restoration of the lightstation. Details: 649-7139 or e-mail [email protected].
FELTON
The Legend of Sleepy Hollow: Costumed actors will perform this Halloween classic on Oct. 24 and 25 aboard Roaring Camp Railroad’s famous steam train. Details: 335-4484.
GILROY
The World’s Largest Haunted House: Open through Nov. 1 at 7900 Arroyo Circle, next to the outlets in Gilroy. Open Thursdays from 6-10 p.m.; Friday from 6 p.m. to midnight; Saturdays from 5 p.m. to midnight; and Sundays from 5-10 p.m. Tickets are available at the door. Details: www.worldslargesthauntedhouse.info.
MORGAN HILL
Halloween Monster Bash Dinner and Costume Party: A dinner and costume party will be offered Saturday, Oct. 25 at the Holiday Inn Express, 17035 Condit Rd. in Morgan Hill. Tickets are $35 per person or $60 per couple for a sit-down dinner with wine included. No-host beer and wine are available after dinner. The evening will feature dancing, costumes, and games. Supervised childcare available for children ages 3 to 11 for $20 per child. Overnight accommodations available. Details: 408-848-1426 or [email protected].
Uesugi Farms Pumpkin Park: Open daily through Halloween, the park offers acres of pumpkins and live entertainment at 14485 Monterey Hwy. in Morgan Hill. A narrow-gauge train winds through the pumpkin patch and Pumpkin Pete’s Enchanted Hayride offers a narrated tour of the grounds. Other features include a children’s corn maze, pony rides, a carousel, a pumpkin pyramid and a marketplace. Free admission. Details: www.uesugifarms.com or 408-778-7225.
Spina Farms Pumpkin Patch: Located between Morgan Hill and San Jose at Santa Teresa Boulevard and Bailey Avenue, the patch features train rides, a picnic area with corn stalks and hay bales, hand-painted pumpkins, ornamental pumpkins, and homemade pumpkin bread. Details: www.spina-farms.com or call 408-463-0125.
PACIFIC GROVE
Redwings Horse Sanctuary’s Haunted Barn is open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday and from 6-9 p.m. on Halloween at the American Tin Cannery Shopping Mall Store No. 116, 125 Ocean View Blvd. in Pacific Grove. Rated “approximately PG-13,” admission is $10 for adults and $5 for children 12 an under. Proceeds benefit the horse sanctuary. For more information, go to www.redwings.org.
SANTA CRUZ
Haunted Tour at Big Basin Redwoods State Park: On Saturday, Oct. 25, the park will host “The Missing Arm of William Waddell,” the saga of an early Santa Cruz County Pioneer, starting at 7 p.m. Featuring a “slightly haunting” tour around the redwood loop trail as docents recount the encounter between Big Basin’s last lumber mill owner and a cranky grizzly. Music, storytelling and apples cooked by rangers around the campfire. The event is free; parking is $6. Guests are asked to bring a flashlight. Big Basin is located 16 miles north of Santa Cruz along Hwy. 1. Details: 427-2288.
Marine Masquerade Party: Whale ghost stories, tales of shipwrecks, nighttime tours, and scavenger hunts are among the many activities at Long Marine Lab’s Marine Masquerade and Scary Aquary on Oct. 31 from 6-8:30 p.m. Cost is $6 for adults and $4 for seniors, students and children ages 4 to 16. Details: 459-3800.
Trick-or-Treating on the Wharf: Venture to the coast to enjoy candy gathering along the wharf on Halloween from 4-6 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.
