This beautiful young lady with long, slender legs and vibrant, long-flowing red hair said, "I am poison ivy. Don't mess with me."  She sat on the cement ledge of a palm tree planter on the corner of Main Street and Walnut in front of Baskin Robbins. Adjusting her green stockings and artificial leaves wrapped around here calves and ankles, she prepared herself for an evening of dancing and socializing. Her girlfriend, who was dressed in costume, fidgeted while waiting to move on. There was no need to hurry, however. It was only 8 p.m. and the kids were still roaming Main Street, looking for that last piece of candy to collect from a local merchant such as Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory. The bars and clubs really did not start their costume contests and live music until the kids had gone home after 9 p.m.

For over a decade, Huntington Beach, California's Main Street has closed around 4 p.m. on October 31 to make way for the annual Halloween Celebration. Downtown merchants hand out candy to trick or treat youth from 6 to 8:30 p.m. when the street is designated a children's fun zone. Moon bounces, pony rides, petting zoo, balloons and a costume contest all make this a night to remember. And it's totally free.

HUNTINGTON BEACH MAIN STREET HALLOWEEN PHOTO GALLERY / RETURN TO MAIN GALLERY