As a kid, going trick-or-treating (or Halloweening as I put it) was a highlight of the fall. I loved choosing a costume, though my mom often relegated my sister and me to being princesses (I think it was easiest). As Halloween night drew near I would watch for rainclouds, pondering what we would do if it rained. One year it did. Some kids went trick-or-treating on Halloween, some the night after. Weird.

If I thought inclement weather was unusual, this Halloween is going to be unlike anything I – and most others – have ever experienced. Let’s go over the list: 1) This Halloween is on a Saturday night – the very best night for trick-or-treating because you get to stay up extra late. 2) This Saturday night is a full moon; the last time there was a full moon on Halloween was in 1944 (according to the Farmers’ Almanac). 3) On Sunday night at 2 a.m., daylight saving time ends and clocks are moved back an hour meaning that you catch an extra hour of sleep.

Wow – the trifecta of Halloween delight.

Too bad Halloween this year is also during a pandemic. Per state guidelines, trick-or-treating is “strongly discouraged,” disappointing children across the state.

But Halloween isn’t just for the trick-or-treaters; many residents delight in decorating their yard for the holiday. Youngsters have had to pass a maze of skeletons, pumpkins, witches and spider webs to get their reward of Halloween candy at the door.

Happily, the pandemic has not curtailed the decorating of local houses for Halloween. Driving around the Crescenta Valley the hard work of Halloween enthusiasts can be found. Though armies of trick-or-treaters are not expected this year these folks take pleasure in creating spooky settings that delight passersby.

Understanding that this Halloween will be unlike any other, CV Weekly, with the support of local nonprofits, has created Fun and Frights in the Foothills, a free Halloween drive-by tour. The addresses of over 40 decorated houses across the Valley have been submitted to CVW so Halloween lovers can enjoy some fun on Halloween night. On page 11 you’ll see the list of addresses – which I will also post on social media – plus the names of the generous businesses that have donated gift cards to recognize the scariest, funniest, most beautiful, most creative, best in show and honorable mention. We are so grateful for their generosity.
I also want to thank some awesome people. Rev. Beverly Craig of the Center for Spiritual Living – La Crescenta was instrumental in organizing the judging and gifting of prizes. Rev. Bev is always ready to lend a hand and has also helped Prom Plus over the years. I am very thankful for her help.

Our office manager Rachelle Miller is a die-hard Halloween lover. (If you’ve ever seen her tattoos you’ll know what I mean.) She worked hard to get the word out about the drive-by tour. I am grateful for her dedication and hard work.

Thank you to our judges and the people who decorated their houses to delight this year’s visitors.

This year is unlike any other but despite that, we, as a community, will create memories that will last a lifetime. I’m proud to be a part of it.