"The West Hollywood Halloween Costume Carnaval began in 1987, three years after the City of West Hollywood officially became a City within the County of Los Angeles. The free event celebrates its 16th anniversary in 2003 and expects record-crowds of visitors and locals alike.

"What began as a primarily gay and lesbian event, has now expanded to include straight people, gay and lesbians, and families with children. In 2001 55% of attendees were straight, 37% gay and 8% lesbian. In addition, 56% were White/Caucasian, 19% were Hispanic/Latino, 13% Black/Latino, 6% Asian/Pacific Islander and 6% described themselves as 'other'.

"The Carnaval progressed throughout most of the 90's with large numbers, but the event experienced extreme growth in size in 2001, reaching 350,000 people in size after the events of September 11th.

"The crowd at the one-night event has been growing consistently by 50,000 people per year. In 2002, 400,000 people attended the event. This year, the Carnaval expects to exceed the 400,000 mark by a similar number.

"The West Hollywood Halloween Carnaval is the Los Angeles area's second largest event, second only to the Rose Parade..

"The Los Angeles Convention Center has a capacity of 45,080 people, or only 10% of the Halloween Costume Carnaval's expected size. The Los Angeles Coliseum Holds 120,000 people, only 26% of the Carnaval's expected size

"ClearChannel Communications, the event's sponsor and talent coordinator has booked top talent in the previous years. In 2002, pop stars Pink and Paulina Rubio headlined the Carnaval, along with 80's sensation Berlin and dance diva Crystal Waters. Celebrity Honorary Mayors have included comedians Margaret Cho, Bruce Vilanch, choreographer and entertainer Debbie Allen, and Elvira Mistress of the Dark.

"Free week-long events lead up to the West Hollywood Halloween Costume Carnaval, including a youth carnival, Drag Races, featuring competitive relay races for men dressed in drag, pumpkin carving contests and more. The main event, the Costume Carnaval, holds preliminary competitions around Southern California in the month of October, all of which lead to the grand finale on Halloween night. Events are organized by the City of West Hollywood.

"The Carnaval takes place from 6PM to Midnight on Friday, October 31st, 2003 between La Cienega Boulevard and La Peer Drive on Santa Monica Boulevard, Route 66 in West Hollywood, California.

The West Hollywood Convention & Visitors Bureau is a 501-C-6 non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing the economic vitality of West Hollywood through the marketing of the City of West Hollywood as a premier travel and lifestyle destination.

Contact:
West Hollywood Convention & Visitors Bureau
800.368.6020 or 310.289.2525
communications@visitwesthollywood.com
www.visitwesthollywood.com