Diane Bishofberger, Bank of Marin Market Manager for the Napa area, is a diehard Disney fan. Little wonder then that fifteen years ago, when the Downtown Napa Association decided to go all out for Halloween, she volunteered to lead the charge, and make sure that the day was one that children would love (and that Mickey would be proud of)!
Thanks to the Bank of Marin staff, characters from Disney and other movies that conjour up the Halloween spirit have shown up over the years for downtown for photos. Sleeping Beauty (you may know her as Princess Aurora or Briar Rose), Prince Charming, Merryweather, Flora, and Fauna are likely to be out between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Other characters will be there to join in the fun. Both backdrops that can be used to stage photos. What a perfect Halloween!
Merchants get in on the act as well. Barbara Wiggins, owner of Mustard Seed Clothing Company, remembers the first year trick or treating was encouraged downtown. “There were so many children, we ran out of candy and I had to run to the grocery store to buy more. I looked at the other people in line, and there were two other merchants who had also run out.” The Mustard Seed gets in the swing of things with Frankenstein greeting everyone at the door. Don’t worry; this monster isn’t too scary, instead dancing and smiling at all.
Businesses use black and orange balloons displayed at their door to invite children to come in and trick or treat. It gives everyone involved, the children and their parents as well as the merchants, the chance to enjoy the day. Trick or treating is from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Saturday, October 27th. There is no charge to participate.
Additionally, the City of Napa is again hosting The OxBOO! Festival in the Oxbow Commons, where it’s race day, with two distinct events:
Coffin Races
Gather a team, build a car and enter the Coffin Races. The race course is between the flood gates on McKinstry Street. Teams consist of five people with four pushing and one riding. Race tip: the rider is “dead weight” keep it light. (Check-in at 11 a.m. and races start at 12 noon.) Sign up your team at cityofnapa.org/parksandrec with a $25 registration fee. Use activity code 11961.
Pumpkin Races
Decorate a pumpkin, put wheels on it and roll it down a hill. $25 registration includes a race kit with 2 axels, 4 wheels and directions on how to create your race car. Pumpkins only in this race. Cheaters will be dispatched by the Mallet-o-Justice. Register at cityofnapa.org/parksandrec use activity code 11954.
Thank you to the Bank of Marin, Napa Valley Marketplace and the City of Napa for their on-going support of downtown, and contribution to making this a fun, frightening and ghoulish day. Happy Halloween!
DoNapa.com