Solvang gets haunted

Last year more than 2,000 people went to see the frights and sights at Solvang’s annual haunted house. This year, the scare-fest returns for its 18th year.

This year’s theme is “Centennial Cemetery” in honor of the 100th anniversary of the Danish town’s founding. The Halloween tradition has become popular, welcoming more than 2,000 people last year alone. They are drawn in by elaborate sets, creepy costumes and genuine screams.

The horror house will take over the Solvang Festival Theater for two nights, Saturday and Monday. The event will run from 6-9:30 p.m. and will feature a kid-friendly tour from 6-6:30 p.m. on both nights. Admission to the haunted house costs $6 for adults and $5 for kids 13 and under. This Halloween will also be celebrated with a street fair on Oct. 29th. For more details visit the parks and recreation section on Solvang’s website. www.cityofsolvang.com.


Halloween at the Y

Experience Halloween at the Stuart C. Gildred Family YMCA with coordinated games, crafts, parade through the Y facility and awards for best costumes. The event takes place from 3:30-5 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 31, and is geared for children ages 2-11, though all ages are welcome.

The event is free and open to the community, and fits between school and evening trick-or-treating. Children and parents are welcome to come dressed in a costume.

The YMCA is located at 900 N. Refugio Road in Santa Ynez.


Dance the night away

The Atterdag Village of Solvang Auxiliary will sponsor three square-dance lesson evenings to the public and residents of the Atterdag Village.

The square dance caller will be the renowned Darren Gallina, who has established himself on the Central Coast. Square Dance is easy, fun, and great exercise and anyone can do it, and it is free. Come with any partner. The lessons will be at the Bethania Lutheran Church Parish Hall, 603 Atterdag Road, Solvang, on from 7 to 9 p.m. Nov. 14, Dec. 12 and Jan. 9.

To make reservations, call Linda Johansen at 686-1644.


Charity meeting Nov. 7

The Santa Ynez Valley Chapter of National Charity League, Inc. – a philanthropic organization dedicated to leadership development, cultural enrichment, and hands-on service – invites all current sixth, seventh and eighth grade girls and their mothers to an invitational meeting at 6 p.m. Monday, Nov. 7, at the Ballard Inn, 2436 Baseline Road in Ballard to discover what NCL has to offer and how to become a member.

If you are unable to attend the meeting or would like more information, please feel free to contact: Anne Christensen chrstnsnann@aol.com, 688-2422 or Cathy Vengel ctomv@yahoo.com 688-1263 or see www.nclsantaynez.org


Shepherd welcomes director

Shepherd of the Valley introduces Crystal Marie Corkern as its new preschool director. She has two children attending Solvang Elementary School. Crystal was unanimously approved by the preschool board. Shepherd of the Valley is also proud of its staff, including Melissa Gould and Venita Corkern.

If interested in a tour of the preschool, please call 686-8979. Hours are 7 a.m. to 5:45 p.m. daily. Children ages 2-5 are accepted.


4-H summary

Another great turn out for, “Day in the Country”, in Los Olivos! All of Lucky Clover 4-H gathered in front of Mattie’s Tavern for Los Olivos Days, Day in the Country and canned food drive on Oct. 15. The 4-Hers decorated a trailer with hay bales and everyone wore our Lucky Clover T-shirts or plain green shirts. As soon as the parade began we all hopped on the trailer and waved to everyone and smiled.

The canned food drive was held after the parade and we decorated a large box to hold all of the cans, and the drive was very productive. Thank you to everyone who participated in the canned food drive and who went to, Day in the Country.