SeeCalifornia.com

If you believe Californians are over the top with Halloween, step back and think about all the good that comes from such celebrating:

1. Parents can take great pictures of their little angels in the pumpkin patch.
2. People get re-introduced to the concept of pumpkin foods–pies, cupcakes, cheesecake and pumpkin bisque soups. What a treat!
3. Parties such as West Hollywood Carnaval prove that half a million people can congregate without getting in a fight. The elaborate costumes and effort to get there help promote the concept of “arrival”.
4. Children and adults can visit farms, corn mazes, take hayrides and pet barnyard animals. We need to connect with our roots and appreciate our farmers. They support us–we support them!
5. Wearing costumes allow even die-hard adults to pretend like a kid again.
6. Handing out candy or other gifts to children who knock on your door is a first step in getting to know your neighborhood and neighbors. Go ahead and leave the lights on so they’ll knock! It can be rewarding.

Places to celebrate Halloween today include:

Vallejo (last day for Six Flags Fright Fest), Simi Valley Ghost Tour at Strathearn Park (last day), Santa Clarita Trunk or Treat, Sacramento Spookomotive Train Rides at California State Railroad Museum, Oxnard’s Pumpkin Fun Day at Channel Island Harbor, Oceanside Dia de los Muertos at Old Mission San Luis Rey, Mill Valley Spook the Pool, Martinez Main Street Trunk or Treat, Long Beach Fall Harvest Festival at Rancho Los Alamitos, La Puente Main Street Halloween Run, Irwindale Halloween Spooktacular, Corona Cemetery Stroll Tour, Capitola Halloween Parade in the Village, Big Bear Lake Boo in the Zoo, Azusa Trunk or Treat Car & Truck Show