Haunting History

Halloween celebrations have their roots in the Celtic festival of Samhain, researchers say. On the night before the festival, the Celts honored Samhain, the lord of death. The ancient Celts lived more than 2,000 years ago in what is now Britain, Ireland and northern France.

Hot Costumes

Get ready for a stream of Teletubbies, Spice Girls and Power Rangers at your door. “The kids are most eager to find a costume that is based on a character in a movie or television show they have recently seen,” said Donna Herrick, above, assistant manager of Halloween Adventures in Granada Hills.

Street Smarts

Dark streets, dark costumes and devilish pranks could make for a dangerous evening. The LAPD Crime Prevention Section cautions kids to limit trick or treating to daytime hours in their own neighborhoods with adult supervision, and to wear light-colored costumes.

Fright Nights

Numerous nonprofit groups are sponsoring fright night events. Haunted Trail III at William S. Hart Park in Newhall is set for 6 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. Cost is $5. Hillman’s 7th Annual Halloween Haunting, a free spooky maze hosted by the SCV Newhall Optimist Club, is from 7 to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday at 19215 Calla Way in Canyon Country.