BIG “SCARE” LAKE

 No School Night This Halloween Means Opportunity for a Weekend Getaway   

BIG BEAR LAKE, Calif./ October 16, 2014 – This year Halloween is on a Friday, which makes it an ideal time to get away with the little tykes for a grand “trick or treat” extravaganza in the mountains. On Halloween night, Big Bear Village becomes extensively decorated with jack-o-lanterns, cobwebs, flying bats, strobe lights, and other gadgets and gimmickry to create a “frightfully” fun Halloween experience. New this year is a unique display of scarecrows scattered throughout Big Bear Village that adds to the festive atmosphere.

The streets of Big Bear Village shut down and transform into a massive gathering of goblins, ghouls, witches, princesses and super heroes. More than 100 village merchants hand out thousands of dollars worth of candy and other goodies to “trick or treaters.” Village merchants created this event to ensure a safe and secure environment for families to enjoy the holiday together. Halloween festivities in the Village are scheduled to kick off at 5 p.m. and finish at about 9 p.m.

“Our Halloween celebration is gigantic! Most importantly it’s in a perfectly safe environment for everyone in the family to enjoy!” said Big Bear Visitors Bureau Director of Operations Rebecca Hrabia. “Halloween is not on a school night this year, so families from off the mountain can enjoy Southern California’s largest trick or treating event and make an entire weekend out of it.”

After getting a bag load of candy from Big Bear Village merchants, retreat to one of Big Bear’s cozy cabins for a cup of hot cocoa. “Trick or treaters” and their parents can unwind next to the fireplace to sort the variety of Halloween goodies.

Another option is Boo in the Zoo at Big Bear Alpine Zoo from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Come in costume to trick or treat amongst the animals, visit the pumpkin patch, or play fun games to win prizes. A highlight is watching resident animals get Halloween treats. Cost is standard zoo admission prices.

Big Bear also has some special treats for those who want to put a little more fright into their Halloween night, which includes Panic in the Park at Meadow Park or Ship of Screams on Miss Liberty Paddlewheel Boat at Pine Knot Marina. Panic in the Park is an annual Haunted House where those brazen enough can walk through the scary house filled with a live action cast of zombies and ghouls and things that go bump in the night from 6:30 pm - 9:30 pm. The cost is $10 per person. For younger kids there is a "Not So Scary House" that will be very entertaining from 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm, cost is $5 per person.

Ship of Screams is another option for those who can brave haunting ghosts and mysterious characters aboard Miss Liberty Paddlewheel Tour Boat. The 64-foot boat transforms into an eerie, haunted vessel where guests walk through the boat’s corridors to discover the life of Carl van Dorvan, his corpse bride and the fate of the boat’s crew and passengers on a Halloween night many moons ago.  It’s a hair-raising experience that should leave a lasting impression! Ship of Screams is from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. and the cost is $5 for adults and $2 for children 10 and under.   

The next day after the little ghosts and goblins have all cleaned up, take an adventure into the wilderness to experience Big Bear’s spectacular display of fall colors. From October to November, Mother Nature adorns Big Bear’s surrounding forest with shades of amber, crimson, copper and gold. Big Bear’s fall season is ideal for those who want to escape for a day or take a mini-vacation to experience the splendor of Big Bear’s autumn hues.

Other fall activities include a visit to the Big Bear Alpine Zoo to see wildlife up close and personal, or a visit the Big Bear Discovery Center to see exhibits and learn more about nature. Fishing is always a great family outing too, especially when junior reels in a bigger fish than dad. The brisk autumn air tends to keep folks inside at night, providing a great opportunity for families to bond around a board game or popcorn and a movie.    

To find out more about Halloween in Big Bear,make lodging reservations or request a free Visitors Guide log on towww.bigbear.com or call 800-424-4232