The West Hollywood Halloween Costume Carnaval has grown by leaps and bounds since its inception in 1987. Through word of mouth, its popularity has attracted thousands of people not only from Los Angeles County but even from around the world. Being among the many that frequent West Hollywood on a regular basis, I’ve mused in recent years during the festival that there are just way too many straight people that attend now. Seriously. But of course its wrong to be so discriminatory especially since inclusion and acceptance is what the LGBT community fights for. What better way to bring people that are gay, straight, demon, black, white, or undead together than through the frivolity of Halloween?

October 31, 2007 marks the 20th anniversary of the West Hollywood Carnaval. Since 1987 the street festival, dubbed the largest in the world, has offered food, entertainment, and some of the most ornate and original costumes. Started primarily as a gay and lesbian event, the festival would eventually attract a more diverse crowd and become the fun spectacular event it is today.

The Carnaval has grown to become such an overwhelming experience with its exponential growth, with attendees swelling upwards to almost a half a million people. It is the second largest annual event in Los Angeles after the Rose Bowl Parade. It might seem like a daunting task to deal with such an enormous crowd, but if you’re smart and get there early you can enjoy yourself before it can get out of hand. It is actually part of the fun.

Starting at 6pm, the Costume Carnaval will feature live musical entertainment on three stages lined up along Santa Monica Boulevard between Doheny and La Cienega. Clear Channel will have several acts performing at various radio station sponsored stages. Mateo will perform at the KIISFM 102.7 stage hosted by Jojo on the Radio who will be broadcasting live from the event. Star 98.7 will have Mini-Kiss perform, 104.3Myfm features DJ Ray Rhodes, and finally Hot 92.3 will have performances by Thelma Houston and Klymaxx. Past celebrity attendees and performers included Ryan Seacrest, Kathy Griffin, Pink, Jane Wiedlin of the Go Go's, and even the horror that is Kevin Federline appeared at last year’s festival. And that is definitely scarier than any costume.

The more elaborate costumes that graced the festival in previous years have given way to more mainstream costumes and pop culture references. Opulent costumes like full ballroom gowns made from CDs or men that are half-reptile, half-human with a snake tail aren’t as numerous as they use to be. Instead you’ll find groups of guys parading around in neon greet sling shot thongs doing their best Borat impression and most likely you’ll see someone doing a parody of some celebrity or political figure mired in scandal.

The Costume contest will be held at 10pm at the stage on La Peer and Santa Monica Blvd. Twenty people will be selected through the night from 6pm-10pm prior to the voting onstage. A secret cabal shall be roaming the streets in search of the best and most worthy costumes and will be giving out wristbands for the competition. Three prizes will be given at the end of the night. 1^st prize $1,000, 2^nd prize $500, and 3^rd prize $250.

Come early and get ready to experience one of the most fun and exciting Halloween events Los Angeles has to offer. Just don’t be surprised if you see someone in a Senator Larry Craig costume running around.

The event is intended for adults but the City Of West Hollywood is offering other more family oriented events to celebrate prior to Halloween.

Saturday October 27- Halloween Youth Carnival

West Hollywood Park, Softball Field

647 N. San Vicente Blvd.
6pm

The Halloween Youth Carnival offers rides, candy, prizes, game booths, rides, entertainment and of course the ever popular moon bounces.  Entrance is $2 per person. For more information please call 323-848-6534. TTY for the hearing impaired at 323/848-6496.

Sunday, October 28^th – Doggy Costume Contest

West Hollywood Park
647 N. San Vicente Blvd.
10/28/2007Time: 1pm

Prizes for guardians and pets will be awarded in several different categories including: Scariest Costume, Look-Alike (pet and guardian), Most Creative Costume, Most Colorful Costume and Best Costume. All participants will be awarded a Certificate of Appreciation. All pets must be in good health, restrained with leashes or other means and have all applicable immunizations. Proof of immunization must be shown. Admission is free. Registration begins at 12 noon at the West Hollywood Park office. For more information, please call 323/848-6534. TTY for the hearing impaired at 323/848-6496.

Sunday October 28 - West Hollywood Drag Race & Pageant

San Vicente Boulevard
and Santa Monica Boulevard
10/28/2007
Time: 4:30pm

The Annual West Hollywood Drag Races will offer 1^st, 2^nd, and 3^rd for the fastest in heels.  But if you aren’t much of a runner there is also the 3^rd Annual Drag Pageant. There will be prizes for the categories of best hair, most outrageousness, best pumps, most creative, and best overall. Admission is free. For more information, please call 323/848-6544. TTY for the hearing impaired at 323/848-6496.

Parking Information

The City of West Hollywood will suspend permit parking for the Halloween Carnaval from 5 p.m., October 31, 2007 to 6 a.m., November 1, 2007. Carnival-goers are asked to observe the boundaries of West Hollywood; if parking occurs in the City of Los Angeles, all parking restrictions must be observed.

Public Parking for the West Hollywood Halloween Costume Carnaval will be available at the following locations for a $10 fee:

Kings RoadParking Structure
8383 Santa Monica Boulevard
Corner of Santa Monica Boulevard and Kings Road

West Hollywood Park Parking Lot
647 N. San Vicente Boulevard
Near San Vicente Boulevard and Melrose Avenue

PacificDesign Center
8687 Melrose Avenue
Between Santa Monica Boulevard and Melrose Avenue

El Tovar Lot
8750 El Tovar Place
Near Melrose Boulevard and Robertson Boulevard