The La Mesa Village Association is holding its 5th Annual Halloween in The Village, featuring family-friendly trick-or-treating in downtown La Mesa, with business handing out treats along La Mesa Boulevard and adjoining streets. This event is held between La Mesa Boulevard and Acacia Avenue, and 4th Street on Oct. 31 from 4-6 p.m.
LMVA Marketing Liaison Elizabeth Ranta said it started in 2019 when one of the local businesses suggested that the LMVA hold a Halloween trickor-treating event.
“It lends itself so much to that,” she said. “It is such a knit tight community with all the residents that are withing walking distance of The Village.”
Ranta said the first event was well attended, but in 2020 the LMVA decided to continue it, following COVID-19 pandemic guidelines.
“We have never seen so many people,” she said. “We could not believe it. It was such a hit, and ever since, it has grown every year and attracted the local community. That means so much to our businesses because it is these events that draw people downtown to La Mesa. They are exposed to all these different retail shops, restaurants, and other business services, and they end up coming back after these types of events. Businesses love seeing the community come out like that and being involved with the community. This is something that businesses do. They provide candy that is passed out. We just do the marketing to get everyone there.”
Ranta said this event is unique as it goes down both sides of Spring Street and is not limited to a smaller area such as Oktoberfest and Christmas in the Village, as the route for trick-or-treaters is longer, and includes adjacent streets, and those businesses and organizations.
Ranta said the LMVS hired a couple of stilt walkers last year to add more festivity to the event, and they were a hit.
“We usually have Frankenstein and a mummy walking around the boulevard with all the trick-or-treaters. Everyone is encouraged to dress up. Even the parents. There are so many families that come down in themed costumes. It is really neat to see.”
Last year was the first year of the Howl-o-Ween Pet Costume Contest, said Ranta. The contest is held at the La Mesa Boulevard Trolley Station (8158 La Mesa Blvd.). Registration is free and it begins at 5 p.m. Contest categories are Scariest, Cutest, Most Creative and Best Pet/Pet Parent Combo.
“That was a success, so we are doing it again this year with even more prizes,” she said. “We are really excited about that. We had so many people last year. We really had no idea how it would go, so we are hoping we have even more people this year.”
Prizes will be awarded for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place in each category and will include gift cards from local businesses, pet treats and San Diego experiences. The first 50 registrants will receive a free Boo Bag Door Prize.
Ranta said the La Mesa First United Methodist Church is hosting a free “spooky” organ concert at 4:45 p.m.
“It is nice for them to open their chapel to the public to hear organ music. They play these great Halloween themed songs. The organist is dressed in a cape, and they invite all the kids to sit up front and listen, and they hand out candy.”
The La Mesa History Center is also participating in the event at the McKinney House.
“We love that. They are one of our members.” she said. “They reached out and said they were doing some neat Halloween decorating and they will be handing out candy that night. I believe they said that they will also have a hearse outside of the Society and a coffin. People should definitely make that one of their stops.”
