Halloween Partiers Going Garden Style

A community costume party this Saturday in Wahiawa should add a classy touch to the frenzy of the Halloween season and fake, store-bought horror.

The Friends of Wahiawa Library will host its second annual “Once Upon a Time in the Enchanted Garden” from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 26 at – where else? – Wahiawa Botanical Garden.

“People liked it so much; it was such a wonderful venue,” said Friends member Grace Dixon, recalling that several commented last year on the truly enchanted atmosphere of the botanical garden. Perhaps more enchanting to participants: There will be prize drawings for Kindle e-readers.

The free event will feature readings from literature by folks dressed as their favorite storybook character. One reading will feature Jack and the Beanstalk – read to listeners from under a bean tree. Storytellers include state Rep. Marcus Oshiro, City Councilman Ernie Martin and deputy city parks director Jeanne Ishikawa, who also chairs the Wahiawa-Whitmore Neighborhood Board.

Entertaining the costumed crowd at noon will be the Iliahi Elementary School Ukulele Band, plus dramatic offerings from Wahiawa Elementary and Leilehua High School students and its rap dance group.

In keeping with the literary theme, the Friends plan to present at least two staged tableaus from Rapunzel and Sleeping Beauty.

Both children and adults are urged to come in costume and bring their own picnic lunch to enjoy during the program on the expansive front lawn of the garden, which is located at 1396 California Ave. A costume parade will close the enchanted outdoor adventure.

For more information, call 621-0455.