Los Altos ghouls come out to play in haunted houses and spooky storefronts
By Eliza Ridgeway, Town Crier Staff Writer
 Saloni Kalkat, 10, works on a window painting on Main Street. More than 100 students participated in the Halloween storefront window decoration contest. |
Warty witches and puckish pumpkins line the streets downtown this week in preparation for Halloween. From painted merchants’ windows to bowls of candy treats, the community joins in the “wicked” celebration.
“Being scared is one of the funnest - but also one of the most dreadful - experiences you can have,” said George Cooper, 14. The Blach school eighth-grader has been making haunted houses in his yard for years, inspired by a hair-raising visit to Disneyland at 9. This year he started planning in January and aims to please neighbors “from 6 to 60.”
“Anyone can enjoy it - it’s not something religious, there are no requirements, you just dress up in a costume and have fun,” Cooper said.
Jake Stuebner was painting his “beast wishes” for passersby on State Street last week. More than 100 local children painted windows of shops downtown with their original Halloween themes. The 42-year tradition brings merchants and young artists together to add some seasonal color to the streets.
“We’re all focusing on the youth - it’s a positive thing, and it’s a fun, safe, artistic way to be part of the community,” said Jennifer Weiss, Los Altos Recreation Coordinator.
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More Halloween happenings:
• The Athletic Boosters at Los Altos High School have been manning a pumpkin patch this month to benefit the athletic program. This year, the normal pumpkins are joined by warty red and pale green pumpkin specialties. Free candy and miniature pumpkin with purchase. Open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. every day at 201 Almond Ave.
• Santa Rita school has scheduled its 45th annual “Witch’s Delight” for Saturday. This old-fashioned, low-tech carnival will feature face-painting, games, fishing for prizes and a haunted house built by sixth-graders.
• Hidden Villa is hosting Halloween Haunts this weekend. The event includes a haunted trail, treats and campfire stories, all in costume. 6:30-8:30 p.m., Saturday and Sunday.
• Westwind Barn has planned a Halloween Horse Show for Saturday. A special costume contest with music will join the other competitions. The event will raise funds for pony club, and spectators are welcome. 8 a.m.-TBA, Saturday.
• 4-H Riding for the Handicapped heads out trick-or-treating on horseback tomorrow. Horses, volunteers and the handicapped riders will visit the neighborhood in costume at 4 p.m.
• George Cooper, age 14, invites trick-or-treaters to drop by his haunted house on Halloween night for thrills and chills with live actors. 1689 Columbia Drive, Mountain View.
• The downtown’s annual Spooktacular, hosted by the Los Altos Village Association, is scheduled 1-3 p.m. Monday at Second Street. The event will feature a balloon artist, face painting and volunteers in costume.
Redwood Grove plans to bring some Halloween beasties such as snakes and a tarantula for a petting zoo.
• De Martini orchards will provide a harvest scene for picture taking at the Spooktacular.
• Trick-or-treating is scheduled from noon to 3 p.m. Monday downtown at participating merchants. Look for a smiling pumpkin poster in shop windows.
Warty witches and puckish pumpkins line the streets downtown this week in preparation for Halloween. From painted merchants’ windows to bowls of candy treats, the community joins in the “wicked” celebration.
“Being scared is one of the funnest - but also one of the most dreadful - experiences you can have,” said George Cooper, 14. The Blach school eighth-grader has been making haunted houses in his yard for years, inspired by a hair-raising visit to Disneyland at 9. This year he started planning in January and aims to please neighbors “from 6 to 60.”
“Anyone can enjoy it - it’s not something religious, there are no requirements, you just dress up in a costume and have fun,” Cooper said.
Jake Stuebner was painting his “beast wishes” for passersby on State Street last week. More than 100 local children painted windows of shops downtown with their original Halloween themes. The 42-year tradition brings merchants and young artists together to add some seasonal color to the streets.
“We’re all focusing on the youth - it’s a positive thing, and it’s a fun, safe, artistic way to be part of the community,” said Jennifer Weiss, Los Altos Recreation Coordinator.
