Spooktacular Halloween festivities begin tomorrow

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Residents are invited to dress up as someone they’re not for five Halloween events taking place in the community this weekend. The spooktacular Halloween festivites begin tomorrow morning with the 20th annual Parade of Frights, a family event hosted by the Chamber of Commerce.

Kids of all ages are invited to dress up and head over to the Towne Center tomorrow where the fun begins at 9 a.m. with registration for the “Treasure Map” and Costume Contest in front of City Hall.

The Treasure Map will lead trick-or-treaters to more than 50 businesses that will be passing out treats. Kids will want to visit them all; those who bring their stamped maps back to the Chamber booth will be entered into a prize drawing. Treasure Maps must be returned to the Chamber booth no later than 11:30 a.m. the winners will be announced after the Costume Constest at 12:30 p.m. Winners must be present to win.

This free event will feature a kids zone, costumes contests, carmival games, DJ and more fun throughout the morning. Water, soda and snacks will be available for purchase.

Thunder, the Lake Elsinore Storm Mascot, is expected to make a special appearance. Chamber spokesperson Alison Burrafato says, “This is going to be a great community event with fun for all ages. This event is a real scream, you won’t want to miss it!”

After the Parade of Frights, rest up or get a bite to eat at the Towne Center eateries, there is more to come. Families are invited to head over to Holiday Harbor for the Family Matters Club’s Halloween Carnival and Movie or to the Lodge for the  Canyon Lake Community Theatre’s “Monster Mash” extravaganza.

The Family Matters Club 3rd annual Halloween Carnival begins at 5 p.m. at Holiday Harbor. This free event will feature a bounce house, game booths, face painting, crafts and a concession stand.

The costume contest, sponsored by KidStage, begins at 6 p.m. “It’s the Great Pumpkin Patch, Charlie Brown” movie will be shown on the big screen immediately following the carnival.

Next is the Canyon Lake Community Theatre’s “Monster Mash” Halloween Extravaganza at 6:30 p.m. in the Holiday Bay Room at the Lodge. Organizers say the “spooky evening” will include an Italian dinner buffet and a  “wildly entertaining” variety show with singing and dancing, costume contest and a DJ for dancing.

Doors open at 5 p.m. for dinner, which will be served from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Show starts at 7 p.m. Adult VIP reserved dinner and show tickets are $35. Kid (12 and under) VIP reserved dinner and show tickets are $20. General seating (no dinner) tickets are $15 for adults, $12 for seniors and students and $10 for kids 12 and under.

For the adults, later in the evening the Lodge is hosting a Haunted Halloween Party. This frightful 21-and-over event will feature a bar menu, costume contest with a prize, free giveaways, and other frills and thrills. The “Bad Dancers” will be performing. The undertaking will begin at 9 p.m. Admission is free; valid ID required at the door.

The fun doesn’t stop there. On Saturday, October 30, the newly sanctioned Canyon Lake K-9 Club is hosting a Halloween Costume Contest for dogs. This free event is open to all residents. It runs from 5 to 6 p.m. at East Port Park, the home of the new dog park.

Ribbons and prizes will be awarded to 1st, 2nd and 3rd places in the categories of cutest, most original and scariest. The K-9 Club President Judy Pruett says, “The K-9 club is excited about hosting its first event as a club and we’re hoping for a great turnout,”