The Malibu Times staff has compiled a short list of Halloween events, tips to stay safe while trick o’ treating, and a recipe for roasting pumpkin seeds.
Frights at Bluffs Park for Halloween
A Halloween festival complete with a haunted house will take place at Bluffs Park on Friday as part of the city of Malibu’s Halloween Haunt event. The event will include carnival game booths, arts and crafts, a guess the weight of the pumpkin contest, pumpkin decorating and a costume contest. Information: 310.317.1364.
Haunting Music
Start the Halloween weekend early on Thursday with “Spooky Sonorities,” a night of spooky music offered by Malibu Friends of Music at the Montgomery Art House for Music and Architecture, located at 6307 Busch Dr. The program includes “The Raven,” a musical tone on viola and violin based on the Edgar Allan Poe poem; a live performance of music to a short and scary silent film; Beethoven’s Opus 18 No. 4 performed by the Headless Horseman String Quartet; Stravinsky’s “The Soldier’s Tale;” William Bolcom’s “Graceful Ghost Rag”; and the theme to “The Witches of Eastwick.” Attend in costume, or go as you are.
The free concert begins at 7 p.m. Donations are accepted. Seating is limited. Reservations can be made by calling 310.589.0295.
Being safe while having fun
Halloween is a time for scary fun, but one should make sure it is also a safe time. The Los Angeles County Fire Department offers the following safety tips:
n Plan costumes that are bright and reflective. Make sure that shoes fit well and that costumes are short enough to prevent tripping, entanglement or contact with flame.
n Consider adding reflective tape or striping to costumes and trick-or-treat bags for greater visibility.
n Because a mask can limit or block eyesight, consider using non-toxic and hypoallergenic makeup, or a decorative hat, as a safe alternative.
n Think twice before using simulated knives, guns or swords. If such props must be used, be certain they do not appear authentic and are soft and flexible to prevent injury.
n Obtain flashlights with fresh batteries for all children and their escorts.
n Teach children their home phone number and to how call 9-1-1 (or their local emergency number) if they have an emergency or become lost. Remind them that 9-1-1 can be dialed free from any phone.
n A good meal prior to parties and trick-or-treating will discourage youngsters from filling up on Halloween treats.
n Always keep jack-o-lanterns and hot electric lamps far away from drapes, decorations, flammable materials or areas where children and pets will be standing or walking.
n Wait until children are home to sort and check treats. Though tampering is rare, a responsible adult should closely examine all treats and throw away any spoiled, unwrapped or suspicious items.
Making a Halloween treat
One of the tasty treats people enjoy during Halloween are roasted pumpkin seeds. They are easy to make and a fun thing to do after carving that ack-o-lanterns.
Ingredients: Pumpkin seeds, olive oil, salt and other seasonings,
1. Rinse pumpkin seeds and then drain, making sure to remove all the pulp.
2. Spread the seeds on a cookie sheet to dry overnight
3. Preheat oven to 250 degrees,
4. Sprinkle seeds with olive oil and salt as well as any other seasoning that is desired.
5. Bake for about one hour. Toss the seeds around every 20 minutes or so.
6. Wait for seeds to cool before eating