Halloween is just around the corner. Start planning a freaky,
fun night for your family
By Julie Engelhardt Special to South Valley Newspapers
Halloween gives everyone license to act like a kid. Whether you dress up in your wild and wackiest costume or just enjoy getting spooked, there are plenty of events and activities taking place throughout the South Valley to keep you entertained – and on your toes.
Hollister
– Swank Farms
Expect a bushel-load of chills and thrills at Swank Farms’ seventh annual fall event. Once again, owners Dick and Bonnie Swank have opened their extremely popular maniac mazes and labyrinths through the creepy cornfields.
There is a kid-sized maze based on the popular children’s book “Spookly the Square Pumpkin.” Families will also get a kick out of the other attractions available this year, including pedal carts, a pumpkin patch, goat walk, panning sluice, pumpkin slingshot and corn cannon.
The mazes will be open through Halloween night. Hours are 10am-6pm daily, 6pm-midnight Fridays and Saturdays, and 6-11pm Sundays. Tickets range from $5-$15.
After the sun goes down, the spooks and spirits come out, daring brave visitors to experience the Conover Mystery Ranch, hidden deep within the cornfields. This haunted ranch is more suited for older children.
Swank Farms is located at 2600 San Felipe Road.
Info: (831) 637-4704 or www.swankfarms.com
– No Tricks, Just Treats
On Oct. 28, the San Benito County YMCA, the Hollister Free Lance and Peter Fleming of Intero Real Estate present the No Tricks, Just Treats event in downtown Hollister. It begins at 11am with registration and a variety of activities that are appropriate for all family members.
Make sure to be decked out in full costume because participants will be able to show off as they parade down San Benito Street. After the parade, head down to the Granada Theater on Fifth Street where families can catch a free movie.
Info: San Benito County YMCA at (831) 637-8600
– Sacred Heart’s Fun Night
On Oct. 28, Sacred Heart Parish School will hold Fun Night, an event for the entire family that runs from 5-9pm. There will be food, carnival games, a haunted house, rock wall, face painting, cakewalk, costume parade and a pumpkin-carving contest. The school is located at 670 College St.
Info: (831) 637-4157
– Fall Fantasy Costume Ball at San Juan Oaks
San Juan Oaks Golf Club, 3825 Union Road in Hollister, will host a fall fantasy costume ball from 7:30pm-midnight Oct. 28. Music will be provided by Joe Sharino. Tickets are $100.
Info: Caryn Smith at (408) 842-6347
Gilroy
– TREE-ker Treat at Bonfante Gardens
Bonfante Gardens is known for its activities and events during the summer, but during the fall this botanical park turns into the place for youngsters to have some haunting fun. The park’s annual TREE-ker Treat celebration on Oct. 28 and 29 is for kids 12 and younger. Participants can dress up in their favorite costumes, come to the park and trick-or-treat among Bonfante’s famous Circus Trees.
Also, don’t miss the park’s Scarecrow Alley, where guests are greeted by more than 30 one-of-a-kind scarecrows designed, created and maintained by local community organizations.
The park is open from 10am-6pm both days; TREE-ker Treat is from 2-4pm. The event is free with park admission. Ticket pricing can be found at www.bonfantegardens.com. Bonfante Gardens is located at 3050 Hecker Pass Highway.
Info: (408) 840-7100 or www.bonfantegardens.com
– Harvey Bear Ranch County Park
If your family is looking for a ghostly good time, head to Harvey Bear Ranch County Park on Oct. 28 to the Haunted Visitors Center to experience a “horrific” hayride, play ghoulish games and eat some scary snacks. All activities are free; there is a $5 per-car entrance fee. The event is from 6-10pm.
Info: (408) 842-7800
Morgan Hill
– Useugi Farms
Once again, Useugi Farms has opened their Pumpkin Park – but you’ll find more than just orange orbs here. Activities include Pumpkin Pete’s Enchanted Hayride, where visitors can travel through Pumpkinland, the Sunflower Gallery and Marigoldland; Pumpkinville Railroad; Storybookland; the Cow Train; or, if you want to mix in a little night fright, check out the X-treme Scream Sideshow of Terror (for ages 14 and older.) Plus, there’s the Field of Screams Haunted Corn Maze that takes visitors through two acres of terrifying trails.
The park also offers rockin’ entertainment every weekend with music performed by local bands. Useugi Farms is located at 14485 Monterey Road.
Info: (408) 778-7225 or www.uesugifarms.com
– PETCO’s pet costume contest
If you want to get Fido and Fifi into the Halloween act, head to PETCO in Morgan Hill (313 Vineyard Town Center) or Gilroy (8767 San Ysidro Ave.) for the store’s annual Pet Costume Contest on Oct. 28. Each store winner will receive an 8-pound bag of Iams dog or cat food and a $15 PETCO gift card. Pet costumes will be judged on creativity, originality, attention to detail, pet parent involvement and if the costume suits your pet’s personality.
Info: (408) 778-7838 or Morgan Hill or (408) 846-2844 for Gilroy; or visit www.petco.com
