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Mendo Lake Family Life

A Fairytale, a Haunted House, and Lots of Chocolate

Candy and costumes make Halloween one of the most anticipated kid-holidays of the year. Check out these local activities for safe fun.

MENDOCINO COUNTY
Capella: Enchanted Pumpkin Path Storytelling is the focus of this whimsical Waldorf School of Mendocino County event. Little ones walk a path that winds through campus, stopping at stations where costumed actors play out different parts of a well-known, surprise fairy tale. The event will be held on October 31, 5­–8 p.m. Tickets are $8 and are available in advance after October 10 at the Mendocino Book Company in Ukiah and Cat’s Meow in Willits. See waldorfmendocino.com or call 485-8719 for more information.

Ukiah: Pumpkin Fest This two-day event—the largest street fair in Mendocino County—offers a cornucopia of fall activities, including a haunted house, children’s carnival, Pumpkin Baking Contest, basketball tournament, craft vendors, and live music. It all begins with the Giant Pumpkin Weigh-Off on October 18, 4–7 p.m., at the Alex R. Thomas Plaza. The festival itself runs October 19, 10 a.m.–6 p.m., and October 20, 10 a.m.–4 p.m., in downtown Ukiah. See cityofukiah.com/pumpkinfest for details.

Ukiah: Nowhere Haunted House At this adult-oriented haunt, the old Probation building, at 280 E. Standley Street, will transform into an abandoned spaceship where attendees will discover the fate of the crewmembers. The house, called Nowhere, will run October 18–20, 25–27, and October 31–November 2. Hours will be 8 p.m.–midnight, except on Halloween, when it will be open until 1 a.m. Admission is $10. Find out more at cityofukiah.com.

Lake County
Clearlake: Trunk or Treat For those parents who would rather not take their kids door-to-door, there is this free Clearlake Youth Center event, where they can go trunk-to-trunk instead. Volunteers decorate and then fill up the trunks of their vehicles with candy for eager trick-or-treaters. Goodies will be dispersed on October 31 at 4 p.m. at Austin Park. For further info, see facebook.com/trunkortreatclearlake.

Kelseyville: Autumn Festival Not grapes but pumpkins will be the stars of the show at this free Boatique Winery event. Families can search for their special squash at a pumpkin patch, take hayrides, and listen to live music. There’ll also be face painting for the kids and wine by the glass for moms and dads. The fun happens on October 26, 11 a.m.–5 p.m. Learn more at boatiquewines.com.

Lakeport: Kiwanis Kids Halloween Fair Little ones can guess the size of a pumpkin, dazzle judges with a creative costume, play games, or just sneak sweets at this free event, which will be held at Terrace Middle School on October 31, 6:30–8:30 p.m. Find out more at facebook.com/lakeportkiwanis.

Lakeport: Pumpkin Festival and Dia Des Los Muertos Celebration Grown-ups can peruse the work of local artisans, watch a performance of ballet folklórico, or compete in a corn-hole tournament while kids explore a petting zoo, do crafts, or jump around in a bouncy house at this free, inaugural event. There’ll also be a scarecrow-decorating contest, mini haunted house, food vendors, and beer and wine. The party happens on October 5, 11 a.m.–7 p.m., on Main Street in downtown Lakeport. A street dance, featuring local band the L. C. Diamonds, will start at 4 p.m. Go to lakeportmainstreet.com for more information.