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Community Corner

Witches, Devils Gather at Talega Village

Halloween event offers balloon animals, face-painting and bags o'candy.

On the patio of , witches, superheroes and princesses mixed and mingled on Halloween night as they waited for a free face-painting or balloon animal, compliments of Talega Village Center.

The free trick-or-treat event for families also included bags filled with candy to the first 500 kids at . 

Seven-year-old Jackson Vinciguerra showed off his brand new snake "tattoo," while his mother, Lou Ann Choss of San Clemente, snapped pictures. “We’re having a lot of fun,” Choss said. “It’s wonderful that [some of] these establishments are even offering healthier options as treats.”

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While some stores kept with the traditional candy handouts, Peet’s served cups of lemonade and gave out pumpkin-shaped sugar cookies.

Balloon animals were created by The Ballusionists, Devynn Denning and Natalie Peterson, both Irvine residents. 

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“The best part [of the night] is seeing the look on the kid’s faces after we make them a balloon animal,” Dennings said.  “I was surprised to hear a little girl tell me, ‘Hey! You’re actually good!’ ”

Free face-painting and more balloon animals were offered by mother-and-son entertainment team Elaine and Stephen Ming from Ontario.

Merchants also seemed to enjoy the event. Candace Rollao and Jason Love, employees of , stood outside their restaurant handing out treats. “It’s been a lot of fun passing out candy to the little kids and checking out their costumes,” said Rollao, who was dressed as a sailor.

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