The band, color guard and ASB will come together to host the annual Halloween Extravaganza. It will take place on Oct. 25, starting at 5 p.m. and closing at 10 p.m. on campus. The event, which serves as a fundraiser for the band, promises a night full of fun and frights for the Los Banos community.
Guests can look forward to a variety of activities as there will be a Tent or Treat, two haunted houses, carnival games and inflatable bounce houses for people of all ages to enjoy. The event is open to the public and tickets are obtainable through band students and are also available at the entrance the day of the event.
The Tent or Treat will be taking place in the student parking lot from 5 to 10 pm. Canopies designed in Halloween themes will be there to give out candy, a creative spin on the traditional Trunk or Treat. It will provide an opportunity for young children who aren’t able to stay up late at night to have the experience of trick or treating.
The extravaganza event is open to the public as tickets are available to buy through band students or at the gate on the day of. Wristbands will be sold for $20 for full access to both haunted houses and inflatables, $15 for general admission and $10 for children.
The two haunted houses are designed to offer different levels of fear. The first in the MPB will have “guardian angels” to guide scared children safely through, and includes eight themed rooms, an upgrade from the previous years’ six. The second haunted house in the band room will be darker and have more confined spaces meant for thrill seeking guests.
Senior Grant Yates and band student said, “The haunted house in the MPB is more child friendly than the one in the band room, but I wouldn’t recommend children that get scared super easily go. There is always an option to stop and leave if you feel too scared while in the house in the MPB.”
Food and refreshments will be sold by parent volunteers throughout the evening. Some food available will include hot dogs, hamburgers, cotton candy and popcorn.
This year’s haunted house theme is based on classic horror movie concepts, a change from last year’s “Five Nights at Freddy’s” theme. Since the different theme was chosen compared to recent years, the band will have to purchase new costumes, decorations and more. Even though it is more pricey, they believe it’s worth it.
Assistant band director at Los Banos High and Creekside Junior High, Shirley Brand said, “I believe even with the changes this year, it will be all worth the time and money.”
Planning began in August and will continue until the event to make sure it runs smoothly and scarily. Students and parents will build and decorate the sets the day before, and take everything down the day after.
With its creative themes and spooky surprises, the Halloween Extravaganza continues to be one of the school’s most anticipated fall events throughout the community.
