Special Visit to Haunt O’ Ween 2021
It was a knockout good time as a Southern California boxing club made a special visit to the 2021 Haunt O’ Ween event at the Westfield Promenade in Woodland Hills, Calif.
Founder and Coach Steve Harpst invited some members of his Burbank Boxing Club (BBC) to check out the outdoor Halloween popup that opened October 1 and runs through October 31. The coach (a multiple winner of Best of Burbank’s Fitness Trainer of the Year) is celebrating his 25th Anniversary with the boxing class that helps at-risk youth and underserved teens to stay off the streets and away from gangs while learning the discipline of the sweet science. Through the years, the children, teenagers and adults learn skills, stay in shape and maintain a healthier lifestyle. And in the last two decades, Harpst says he’s watched juveniles become responsible parents of their own and some of the guests on Friday night are now even bringing their own children to learn how to box.
The team spirit was strong as the San Fernando Valley group wore their best Halloween costumes, ready for a fun night out with their families. A BBC costume contest was held before the squad entered the sprawling grounds of Haunt O’ Ween. Jason Reyes, 7, won the “Most Creative” prize in his cool version of Harry Potter and Sergio Valenzuela, who just turned 6, won the “Best Overall ” honors as the cutest (and most “scariest”) Michael Myers “(from the”Halloween” scary movie franchise) complete with a chainsaw; Alex Papazian, 11, got third place for his own spooky outfit.
In the adult category, special guest Sindy Amador nabbed first place bragging rights with her beautiful black-and-white goth creation. Sindy and Paco Perez traveled over two and a half hours to surprise the youngsters at the Hallow’s Eve bash. The boxing club enjoyed meeting a pro champion and, in turn, Sindy inspired the amateur fighters with her story. Born in Durango, Mexico, the athlete spoke about how boxing changed her life. She joined a gym in her nearby Moreno Valley and went from 150 pounds to a svelte 108 pounds standing just five feet tall. The petite puncher continued to train and won the International Female Boxers (IFB) Association World Light Flyweight championship! She told the tots and teens to continue working hard in the sport and to stay focused and disciplined.
And then it was time for these ghosts and goblins to explore the sights of the massive Haunt O’ Ween extravaganza!
There were carnival games, unique photo ops, festive performers, professional face painting, bale of hay mazes, spooky tunnels, a carousel and kiddie ride, pumpkin patches, food trucks, over 35,000 real pumpkins, an Addams Family mansion, and even a Beer and Wine Garden for the Over-21 guests.
With literally surprises lurking around every corner, it is a great experience visiting Haunt O’ Ween. Last year (due to COVID-19 restrictions) it was a drive-thru event so this year’s walk-thru version was extra exciting for all.
BBC member Miguel Malonzo (a Golden Gloves winner) mentioned he had a blast dressing up in a costume especially since the pandemic shut down last year’s Halloween celebration for everyone. And all the kids and adults really enjoyed going Trick-or-Treating in the amazing Town Square decked out with miniature houses, bright lights and generous “neighbors” who filled everybody’s bags and buckets with tons of candy and even Takis chips!
The face painting area was a real treat for everyone too. BBC’s Jordan Reyes, 13, got a “tattoo” just like boxing champion Mike Tyson’s iconic face art.
And 12-year-old Eric Cosio Jr. (whose father was an early member of the BBC) loved the energy of the event and the spirit of Halloween. Eric Jr. was a big hit in his Georgie outfit from “IT” and he, along with all the kids, enjoyed the opportunity to score some of their favorite candies.
It was a “Spook-tacular” good time for all.
Longtime boxing coach Harpst (also an award-winning sculptor and California Boxing Hall of Fame inductee) said he liked the community feel of the fiesta and was happy to bring some of the Burbank Boxing Club together for a night of fun with the families. The guests spanned from new baby Aliyah Marie Valenzuela to some second-generation members of the group.
And Harpst gave an appreciative shout out to Team Haunt O’ Ween’s Jasen and Jenni and the Experiential Supply Co. for a knockout good time at the 2021 Haunt O’ Ween bash. “Thanks to Jasen for hosting such a memorable night at Haunt O’ Ween,” Harpst commented. “You really brought a lot of smiles to our group and thank you for everything!”
HAPPY HALLOWEEN!
More info: https://socalhauntoween.com
Photos by Michele Chong