A long line of miniature Disney princesses, superheroes and jungle animals entered the colorful world of Biola University’s Candyland on Oct. 31, 2011. Enjoyed by local children, this year Biola celebrated ten years of serving the La Mirada community with the alternative Halloween event. Upon arrival at Biola’s Alpha residence hall, children and their parents were greeted by a colorful pathway, vibrant balloon arch, old-fashioned popcorn machine, bounce house and an array of cookies and candy.
Each dormitory floor in Alpha represented a different theme revolving around one of the lands featured in the popular Hasbro board game such as Candy Cane Forest and Gumdrop Mountain. The college students who participated in the event spent weeks leading up to the day decorating their own doors with elaborate themes ranging from Toy Story to Batman. At each room, the residents passed out free candy to the children as they adventure down the halls. Face-painting, games and of course, more candy was available in the main lobby.
After visiting all six floors throughout the residence hall, families could settle down, enjoy their candy and watch a kid-friendly movie on the lawn. Parents benefited from a healthier snack station with coffee and were able to relax while their young ones played group games in the safe, festive environment.
Halloween trick-or-treating is a tradition throughout the nation but not many kids can say they did so at a college, let alone in CandyLand.