During the event, families are encouraged to dress up in costumes and bring their children to trick-or-treat at local businesses up and down Big Basin Way. Each participating merchant will give children a wrapped treat. The Saratoga Chamber of Commerce, which sponsors this sidewalk procession, is happy to see such a safe and fun event return to the city, says Carol Atkin at the Chamber's offices.

"It hasn't happened in the last several years, because nobody's taken up the reins," explains Atkin. She says Dr. John Marian, who serves on the Chamber's board and runs Big Basin Chiropractic, took the initiative to get the event going again this year.

"He came in like a breath of fresh air and decided we need to do more things like this. He's really spearheaded it, and it's his enthusiasm that has made this happen," says Atkin.

Marian came up with the idea, not knowing there had been something similar in past years.

"I had no idea there was something similar in the past," he says. "I just thought it would be a great idea for kids to have someplace safe to trick-or-treat; there's not a lot of streetlights in Saratoga. Plus, my parents live in the Saratoga hills and they never have any kids come to their house on Halloween. It would be great to have kids in costumes trick-or-treating all in the same area, without having to go to Vallco or somewhere else."

Marian adds that in addition to the Chamber of Commerce, the Saratoga Rotary Club, the Sheriff's Department, the fire captain and the Saratoga High School Interact Club have all been very helpful in getting the Witchy Walk-A-Bout going this year.

Atkin adds that many businesses have responded positively to the event's return.

"It looks like most of the businesses on Big Basin Way are participating. Very few have said no," she says. She explains that participating merchants will be designated by balloons in the traditional Halloween colors of orange and black hanging in their windows. Atkin adds,

Seniors Costume Party

Los Gatos and Saratoga seniors can get into the spirit of things at The 55+ and Live Oak Nutrition Halloween Costume Party on Oct. 27, 11:30 a.m. Attendees are encouraged to be outlandish and creative and wear their wildest get-up, and there will be a prize for everyone in costume. The party will be followed by a showing of the scary movie Secret Window starring Johnny Depp. It all takes place at the Los Gatos Neighborhood Center, 208 E. Main St. For more information, call 408.354.2360.

Warner Hutton Costume Contest

Warner Hutton House, an after-school program for middle school­age students, will be joining in the festivities this year with a brand new event—the first annual Warner Hutton House Costume Contest on Oct. 28, 3:30 p.m. Prizes will be awarded in several categories, including funniest, most creative and scariest. Winners will receive gift certificates to Jamba Juice. Warner Hutton House is located at 13777A Fruitvale Ave. in Saratoga, next to city hall. For more information, call Adam Henig at 408.868.1248.

Howling Halloween

There's no reason why dogs can't celebrate Halloween just like the rest of us, especially when it's for a good cause. Howling Halloween is happening again on Oct. 28 at 6 p.m. in the Los Gatos Town Plaza, located at the corner of N. Santa Cruz Avenue and Main Street. Dogs and their owners are encouraged to dress up for this one-of-a-kind celebration, and a suggested donation of $10 will benefit Suzie, a rescued dog in need of surgery. Dogs must be on a leash and have current vaccinations. For more information, visit www.societydog.com.

Pumpkin Walk

Marshall Lane Elementary School's 33rd annual Pumpkin Walk is back! The school is encouraging residents to bring the whole family, put on their best costumes and come to this festive event, taking place on Oct. 30 from 4 to 8 p.m. A number of activities are planned, including a costume parade, a haunted house, games for all ages with prizes, a bake sale, a raffle, a silent auction and, of course, the Pumpkin Walk. Admission is free and tickets for games, activities and food can be purchased at the event. All proceeds go to the Marshall Lane Parent Teachers Association, in support of the school that's located at 14114 Marilyn Ave. in Saratoga, near the intersection of Pollard and Quito roads. For more information, call Karen Bustamante at 408.341.7000, ext. 4453.

Witchy Walk-A-Bout

The Saratoga Chamber of Commerce is organizing the traditional Witchy Walk-A-Bout downtown on Oct. 30 from 2 to 4 p.m. A safe and friendly community event for families with young children, the Witchy Walk-A-Bout is a sidewalk procession held along Big Basin Way. Children are encouraged to dress in costumes and trick-or-treat at downtown businesses. Each participating merchant will provide a wrapped treat for children. For more information, contact the Chamber of Commerce at 408.867.0753.

Haunted Forest

All week long, residents of all ages can visit the famed Haunted Forest at Oak Meadow Park in Los Gatos. This year, the Haunted Forest and Spooky Hollow are debuting their newest attraction, called Trick or Treat Street. This is a child-sized neighborhood within Spooky Hollow that allows children to trick-or-treat door to door safely. Kids can knock on Dracula's door or visit a fairy princess's home for delicious Halloween treats. A total of 30 homes can be visited. After trick-or-treating, families can ride the carousel, wander through Spooky Hollow, and take the Dark Ride on the Billy Jones Wildcat Railroad, which winds through Oak Meadow and Vasona Park, providing views of more things that go bump in the night. Tickets are $10. For more information, visit www.hauntedforest.org. If you can find the hidden page on the website, you can get a coupon!