Fun, spooky style

Suzie Harrison

History has it that the Halloween known today, featuring ghosts and

goblins going from door to door seeking tricks or treats, dates back

to the 5th century B.C. That’s because Oct. 31 marked the official

end of summer and marked the commencement of the new year according

to the Earth’s natural cycles.

Tales have also been told that this time of year is when the

separation between the Earth and “other world” was at its thinnest,

allowing the spirit world or hallowed souls to co-mingle with the

living.

Though there might be discrepancies among the theories of the

origins of Halloween, one thing has remained true: Modern day

acknowledgments of the holiday share the same ingredient -- fun.

In this tradition, Laguna Beach has stepped up to the plate and is

serving a veritable buffet of things to do in the local clubs and

restaurants, and in at least one neighborhood.

* Oak Street is a fun and ghostly place for Halloween. That’s

where it is told that all the goblins gather. The streets between

Thalia and Calliope streets will be closed off for children’s safety,

while they enjoy trick-or-treating and the scary haunted house, which

usually draws about 1,000 visitors. Created by Maria and Lynn

Watkins, the popular haunt will open at 5:30 p.m. today.

* The “Mosun and Club M Halloween Party” is offering a playground

upstairs for those who love the DJ scene and are into dancing spawned

by the thumping bass of techno and house. For those a little less

adventurous or more conservative, the downstairs area will have top

40 and hip hop. Club M will add go-go dancers to the music mix and

hold a costume contest for cash prizes. The cover charge for the

Mosun Club M party is $15. Those who spend $40 on dinner receive a

VIP pass. For reservations, call (949) 497-5646. The club are at 680

S. Coast Highway.

* The White House Restaurant and Nightclub is another happening

joint for Halloween. It has the historic element by being first

established in 1918. There haven’t been any ghost sightings reported

yet, but they’re keeping their eyes open. Though Hollywood’s own made

it a destination, it’s now a staple for some on the social scene.

“Planet Now,” a rock ‘n’ roll band, will be playing spirited live

music, and guests are asked to come in costume to get in free. Those

dressed as themselves will pay $7. A source from the White House said

that usually everyone is in the spirit, with 95% of the people

dressing for the occasion. The White House is at 340 S. Coast

Highway. For information, call (949) 494-8088.

* The Marine Room has been a staple for locals not just on

Halloween but every night. The place is decorated and will be filled

with people, most of them decorated too for the holiday. Live

entertainment will be provided by R & B band, the “Groove All Stars.”

The cover is a very minimal $4. The Marine Room is at 214 Ocean Ave.

Call (949) 494-3027 for more information.

* For the gay community, Woody’s at 1305 S. Coast Highway is a

local favorite. It’s always a scene to be seen on Halloween. This

year for Halloween, Woody’s is having a house party with drink

specials. The place is decorated to the Halloween T, along with the

crowd and the staff, offering a fun, festive evening. For

information, call (949) 376-8909.

* Just a skip away, the place to go after Woody’s to dance is the

Boom Boom Room for its “Halloween Masque.” DJ Peter Barona will be

laying down the ample tracks with body-to-body dancers in a

synthesized rhythm. The “go-go gods” will be sporting a hand-painted

look compliments of professional makeup artist and body painter

Michael Michelle. He has more than 10 years experience in his art and

has been featured on TV and magazines. The cover is $10, and the Boom is at 1401 S. Coast Highway. For information, call (949) 494-7588 or

go to www.boomboomroom.com.

Be it scary or fun, it seems that Laguna has Halloween festivities

for everyone.