After much anticipation and two altered formats, the Anaheim Fall Festival and Halloween Parade returned to the streets of Anaheim last weekend, and what a night! Typically I love to show off a cute autumnal outfit and offer up some of the fall-tastic sights of the festival and parade, but this year we were a little more involved than in the past, so the photos are far fewer this year, and there are none of the parade itself! Why? Because this year we got to be in the parade!

Shortly after purchasing our home here in Anaheim, I became aware that Anaheim is so much more than the Disneyland Resort, yes, it is a very big part of it, but we have really developed a true sense of community here beyond the Disneyland Resort, and a large part of that is the Anaheim Halloween Parade. However the festival and parade are not just about Halloween, as both also celebrate Día de los Muertos, with mariachi performances, elegant floats, colorful dancers, and more.

This year we helped get floats ready for their big day, and built some new additions to the festival. At the festival we accompanied the beloved Pumpkin Man and Kitty Cat to help them navigate the young and young at heart asking for photos, and as the sun set we geared up to walk through the streets of Anaheim. Of course, what is a Halloween parade without a costume? Just two weeks before the big day I was asked to dress up like Little Red Riding Hood to accompany the grumpy but whimsical trees, and I was able to throw the costume together with a square dancing dress I already had, a thrifted tank top with some last minute embroidery details, a cape bought at a Halloween shop, and a basket I had at home.

We had so much fun and believe it or not, but next year marks the 100th parade! I can’t wait to see what is in store and hopefully to be a part of it once again.

As for Halloween itself, we stayed in and watched some movies with friends. This October was much more hectic for a variety of reasons, and while I’m sad to see October go, as I didn’t do nearly as much as I wanted to, I’m excited for hauling in the Christmas decor this week! Does your town have any big Halloween traditions? How did you spent Halloween this year?