Ghouls, zombies, witches and candy.
The Otay Ranch Town Center in Eastlake is treating local families to its sixth annual “Trick or Treat on Magic Street” on Halloween night.
In conjunction with Magic 92.5 FM, the event includes a parade, costume contest and store to store candy for anyone who wants to attend, including pets.
Magic 92.5 senior account executive Rebecca Cantu said the event continues to grow each year.
Last year she estimated approximately 4,500 people and pets attended the event and she expects it to increase to 5,000 this year.
Cantu said the event began as an effort to get the community involved.
“We wanted to do some sort of a concept with trick or treat and families,” she said. “It just made sense to do something for everyone, including pets.”
Magic 92.5 will conduct a live broadcast with Jagger and Kristi from the morning show hosting the pet show contest.
“It’s all about the families and giving back to the communities,” Cantu said. “There is no other safe family Halloween event in San Diego that’s free to the public.”
Otay Ranch Town Center General Manager Tim Colby said he doesn’t think any other Halloween event in the area is bigger.
“The Otay Ranch Town Center is a different kind of a venue … we were designed with the thought that we would be like a town center and it seems like an event that plays off of that identity,” Colby said. “This is an opportunity to provide a really wonderful event for the community. There’s an enormous amount of candy and it’s not likely that anyone will go home empty-handed.”
Colby added that the Center’s architecture also helps create the perfect ambiance for Halloween.
Guests can also enjoy live music, dancing and a parade.
“The coolest part is the parade down Main Street,” Cantu said. “It’s really cool to watch the kids get into the parade.”
A costume contest will be held for newborns and kids and teens and adults, judged on creativity, cuteness, originality and scariest outfits. Pets can also be entered, with three winners picked out of each category.
Gift cards, movie passes and certificates will be awarded as prizes for the best and most creative costumes.
In addition, there will be arts and crafts for kids done by “the rad hatter” and bounce houses for little ones.
Parking will be available for attendees in lots on the outer rim of the mall, as the inside of the mall will be closed for the event.
“We block off the side streets for full security and safety,” Cantu said.
Kids also have the option to trick or treat down Main Street, visiting each of the Otay Ranch Town Center stores for candy.
In addition, until Oct. 31, texting CANDY65 to 50304 everyday provides a chance to win a $50 shop mall gift card.
Participants will either receive a treat, the gift card, or a trick—a daily Halloween themed joke.
The event is free and open to the public from 4 to 8 p.m. at Otay Ranch Town Center located at 2015 Birch Road in Chula Vista on Wednesday, Oct. 31.
