Build it and they will come! We did and they did! On October 30, the Village celebrated Halloween with good, old-fashioned fun. The event was developed from a goal expressed by the City Council that they want more family-friendly events in the Village. We could not have been more excited when we saw the Village filling up with children, their parents, and some pets all dressed up as ghosts, goblins, pirates, princesses and much more. This was the first year for this event and it was a big hit with the community.
After the event, one family wrote to me and said, “just wanted to send a note to let you know that we had so much fun today at Halloween on Elm. What a great treat for families! It was really well planned out with lots of variety and fun. A true benefit to living in such a great city. Thanks to all of those folks that made this event happen!”
The Carlsbad Village Association hosted its weekly Saturday Farmers' Market with some added activities such as a pie-baking contest and party games for kids. Some Village businesses provided a safe trick-or-treat environment for children throughout the Village, and also decorated their storefronts in theme.
The Fire Department provided safety tips for costumes, had a fire engine on display, and gave out free cotton candy. The Police Department had a police car and their mobile command post on display.
The Arts Department hosted a costume contest for pets and people, and had a couple of art projects for kids. New Village Arts hosted live make-up demonstrations (fake blood, warts, etc) and provided for other live entertainment.
The Library had story telling, and many other city departments, including Parks and Recreation, Utilities, Community and Economic Development and the City Manager's Office provided other games and contests.
The Boys and Girls Club provided a haunted house. We also had the Carlsbad Educational Foundation provided face painters, fortune tellers, and other activities. It was an amazing partnership between the City, the Carlsbad Village Association, New Village Arts, the Carlsbad Educational Foundation, Boys and Girls Club, and numerous City Departments. Our Property and Environmental Management Department even decorated the Oak Yard with a large spider they called Itsy Bitsy.
Thanks to everyone who assisted with this great event. It was a wonderful gift to the community, and demonstrated how various organizations work together successfully to host a fun-filled day for the families of Carlsbad. It was our hope to kick off the holiday season in grand style. We look forward to celebrating the remainder of the holidays with as much fun.