1500 Pumpkins Join Characters for a Theatrical Halloween Event in Isla Vista
John Palminteri
ISLA VISTA, Calif. (KEYT) – One of the more creative Halloween events on the South Coast is ready for visitors Thursday and Friday.
Volunteers have unloaded 1,500 pumpkins in Isla Vista at Anisq’Oyo Park to create the 5th annual Halloween Pumpkin Patch, but it will be more than just a field of pumpkins.
Isla Vista Recreation and Parks (IVRP) General Manager Kimberly Kiefer says, “It’s about creating an immersive experience that the community can participate in no matter what the age. It’s a multi-generational event. It’s a good time for all and really it’s about, showing what public space can do when you have an outdoor public space in a park.”
She says it is a blend of activities “and you create it into a space where people want to come out and have fun and meet each other and connect, you know, anything’s possible and I think that’s what this event does.”
A nighttime theatrical-style journey is being created in different areas in a family friendly event for all ages.
It will include many art and entertainment areas including character actors, a black light experience, a silent disco, an interactive experience and a costume contest. The first prize in that event is $750. This event is night two, Oct. 31 and hosted by Emmce Vivian Storm and Thriftopia. (Pre register with the IVRPD and the contest is limited to 50 entries.)
Night One will feature cirque-style “Jack and Sally” performances by Wildfire Arts Entertainment and pop-up flash mob by World Dance for Humanity.
The disco is sponsored by UCSB’s Associated Students Program Board, with dueling DJs in the park’s Cool Corner near Embarcadero Hall.
This year’s pumpkin patch challenges visitors to discover hidden clues about a legendary garden grove whose ancient magic is crucial to ensuring the park’s future. The IVRPD says, live costumed actors like the Werewolf from New York and the Oracle will enlist the help of the pumpkin bumpkins to rally together in an adventurous storyline filled with plot twists.
The Pumpkin Patch event will be open from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. at no cost. Each night Oct. 30 and 31, will have a special events unique for that evening. Everyone attending can take one of the pumpkins with them on the way out.
Many partners unite
IVRPD is partnering with Environment Makers, Branches Mobile Gallery, and Fishbon to create the theatrical character experience. Security is provided by the Guardian Team. Sponsors include the Isla Vista Community Relations Committee, The Farmacy, and Associated Students Program Board.
The event is part of a coordinated safe Halloween event with the Santa Barbara County Fire Department, University of California Santa Barbara, Isla Vista Foot Patrol and the Office of the Second District Supervisor Laura Capps.
Transportation options
IVRPD encourages guests to attend the Halloween Pumpkin Patch by bicycle, skateboard, foot, bus—direct routes to the park include Santa Barbara MTD Lines 11, 15x, 25x, and 27—or by other means of alternative transportation. Guests may request ADA accommodations by emailing ivrpd@ivparks.org or by calling (805) 968-2017.
Dia de Los Muertos coming up
A separate Día de Los Muertos event will be held on Saturday, November 1st from 12pm-3pm at the St. George Youth Center at 889 Camino Del Sur in Isla Vista. Special cultural Folklorico performances, ceramic skull painting and traditional Mariachi music and food from Super Cucas from Isla Vista and Loteria will be a part of this event. Traditional alters will be featured and community members are encouraged to bring photos of their loved ones to add into the community alter that will be up until Tuesday, November 3rd.