MOORPARK : City Tries to Scare Up Party Pumpkins

Carving up ghoulish fun, the city of Moorpark is inviting residents to bring by their menacing pumpkin creations for a jack-o’-lantern contest Saturday at the Arroyo Vista Recreation Center.

The contest is part of the city’s annual Halloween party and Trick-or-Treat Village being held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the center.

Pumpkins should be carved or painted and ready for judging, which begins at about 10:15 a.m., said Shelly Shellabarger, a recreation supervisor for the city.

Last year’s party drew about 500 people but no pumpkins, Shellabarger said, so she hopes that a little advance publicity will scare up some creative pumpkin carvers.

The Halloween party will also feature a costume contest at about 1 p.m. and offer trick-or-treating for kids. Although the party is free, attendees are encouraged to bring cans of food for donation to the local food pantry.