People in Orange County, California, are finding ways to celebrate Halloween, even amid restrictions imposed because of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
Urban Legends Haunt in Costa Mesa
The sold-out Urban Legends Haunt live-action Halloween drive-thru will be in full scare on Halloween night at the Orange County Fair & Event Center in Costa Mesa.The immersive theatrical experience uses actors dressed in costumes, special effects, and terrifying sets to scare people who remain in their cars.
Everyone involved, including visitors, is required to wear face coverings and follow social distancing regulations. While in the show areas during the event, all vehicle engines must be turned off.
Price is per vehicle, and the event lasts from half an hour to 45 minutes. Merchandise and food—including cookie buckets, giant turkey legs, and chicken tenders—is available for purchase.
A “Little Legends” event on Halloween offers a special “not so spooky” attraction designed for families with children under the age of 13 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Great Park Jack-o-Lantern Balloon
The iconic Orange County Great Park Balloon in Irvine has been transformed into a giant jack-o-lantern named “Jack” and will float above the park until Nov. 2.Balloon pilots were lifted up to the tall structure by a crane on Oct. 2 to affix vinyl in the shape of a jack-o-lantern to the face of the iconic attraction.
Drive-Thru Trick-or-Treat in Fountain Valley
Orange County Supervisor Andrew Do is hosting a free “contactless” drive-thru trick-or-treat on Oct. 31 at Mile Square Park in Fountain Valley from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.A portion of the park will be embellished with Halloween and Dia de los Muertos decorations. During the event, families will be given candy, treats, and special Halloween bags that include face masks, hand sanitizer, Día de los Muertos kids masks, coloring pages, child-friendly activities, and other goodies.
Families are encouraged to come dressed in costumes and to decorate their vehicles when they drive through the park. Costumed volunteers will hand out candy by placing it into the trunks of the passing cars while people remain inside.
“With the holiday season coming, it can be discouraging not being able to interact with friends and family as much,” said Do. “That is why I’m excited to host a drive-thru trick-or-treat event where families can safely drive-by, pop open their trunk, and receive a Halloween bag full of goodies for their children to take home.”
Items were donated to the event by the Orange County Health Care Agency, Orange County Waste and Recycling, Orange County Vector Control, CalOptima, the Orange County Transportation Authority, Metrolink, and others.
Folks are recommended to access the event by turning into Mile Square Park at Mt. Whitney Street off Euclid Street and following the posted signs.
The 17th Door Haunted House in Fullerton
The 17th Door Haunted House attraction will be open on Halloween and Nov. 1 at the West Fullerton Shopping Center at 1851 W. Orangethorpe Ave.The event features a haunted house maze with actors wearing approved N95 masks, gloves, and eye protection—along with scary costumes.
Guests are required to wear masks, gloves, and eye protection as well. The gloves and eye protection are provided, but guests must bring their own masks.
Taste of Fall-O-Ween at Knott’s Berry Farm
Though its theme park remains closed, Knott’s Berry Farm in Buena Park is hosting a family-friendly outdoor dining event on Halloween.Families are encouraged to dress up while they enjoy unique food-tasting, an “Into the Fog” art show, and other themed activities amid seasonal decor.
Kids will be able to collect goodies while taking a trip through the Camp Snoopy Trick-or-Treat Trail, with multiple treat stations and spooky decorations placed amid a socially distanced environment.
The sold-out event concludes on Nov. 1.
