City of Moorpark hosts successful Spooky Avenue Halloween drive-thru
Cars line up for the Spooky Avenue Halloween Drive Thru in Moorpark, CA. on Saturday, Oct. 31. Photo credit: Adriana Janiga
November 2, 2020
2020 has brought a radical change of lifestyle in which people have no choice but to adapt to social distancing due to COVID-19. Although it looks different this year, there are still ways to have fun at a lower risk, and that is what the Moorpark community did.
Since door to door trick or treating was not recommended in Ventura County this year, the city of Moorpark staff members decided to organize their first drive-thru event for the holiday.
Following strict Health Department guidelines, the city was able to offer the general public a free, fun and safe Halloween.
They had all the support not only from local businesses such as food establishments, clean up services, programs for kids and others but also from the entire community.
The doors opened at 3:00 p.m. and by that time, there was a lane of traffic from Los Angeles Avenue to beyond Mountain trail Street. Participants waited in line between an hour and a half to two hours.
City Manager Troy Brown was absolutely satisfied with the results and proud of the city staff members.
“It has been fantastic,” Brown stated. “That kind of traffic is good to have because it is a good sign of success.”
Brown mentioned that the most important element of the event was to satisfy the community and be safe at the same time. Everyone wore a mask, gloves and kept the six feet required distance.
Local businesses had Halloween decorated stands on the drive-thru route and passed candy out one car at a time. Parents and children alike enjoyed the music, costumes and themes.
Volunteer Lizz Soto explained that, “This is one of those events that you really have no idea how it’s going to work.”
Soto mentioned that it had been a stressful year for the kids with online schooling and having this event is great.
“At least they have something to do for Halloween,” Soto expressed.
Victoria Peterson, main event planner and Recreation Leader from the Department of Parks and Recreation observed that people seemed to be happy and she was glad to see the community come together, and most importantly, safely.
