By Lori BODNAR 

Little ghosts, goblins, skeletons and fairy princesses have been descending in droves (with their parents) to the family-friendly Descanso Gardens “Carved” event. Open each evening from 6-10 p.m., there is something for everyone, including expansive light and nature displays, pumpkin house, maze, spider web of laser lights, creative artwork sculptures, the “cackling glen” and the breath-taking highlight of intricately carved pumpkins. Food and drink are also available for purchase within the park. The “Carved” event continues nightly at Descanso Gardens until Oct. 31.

In addition to the fall décor, gourds and carved pumpkins in honor of Halloween, Descanso Gardens also recognized Latin American culture for Dia De Los Muertos, or Day of the Dead. Near the entrance and throughout the park, Descanso Gardens had hung papel picado, or brightly colored paper decorations with elaborate designs. Conchas, a traditional Mexican sweet bread roll, were available for purchase with other food and refreshments such as churros, hot chocolate and hot apple cider (also available “smashed” or spiked). Descanso Gardens also displayed a Dia De Los Muertos ofrendas in tribute to the Latin American tradition of honoring deceased loved ones.

The courtyard offered many displays and activities for families. One corner featured a huge glow-in-the-dark spider and its web – a perfect spot for taking pictures. There was a nearby glow paint or glow stick-on-tattoo station for added fun. Long lines formed to take pictures inside the lit pumpkin house that shone festively across the courtyard. While waiting for a picture, patrons could travel through a hay bale maze. There was also food and refreshments for sale within the courtyard.

Many jack-o-lanterns wore smiles, grins or scary faces when greeting visitors throughout the grounds. The light displays with the pumpkins gave a spooky air to the night, along with fog effects and ghostly sounds. A scarecrow jack-o-lantern exhibit that featured pumpkins as tall sunflowers was a perfect Halloween picture opportunity with the family.

The Camellia Forest was transformed into the Cackling Forest and provided plenty of fun for kids of all ages. Kids raced around the trees that had lit-up platforms while hearing the cackling noises of the forest and the whistles of the wind as they stomped on glowing lights in the platform.

Hanging basket lanterns lit up the way to the next location paired with glowing bamboo carvings with intricate designs. A sea serpent made of pumpkins was found lurking in the water.

The highlight of the “Carved” event was the carved pumpkins that boasted a variety of designs, including ones paying tribute to movies, popular culture and people. There were memorial pumpkins to honor people who died during the last year or two, including Nichelle Nichols from “Star Trek,” Vin Scully, the voice of the Dodgers, Foo Fighters drummer Taylor Hawkins, Queen Elizabeth II and legendary actress Betty White.

Movie pumpkins paid homage to “Stranger Things,” “The Twilight Zone,” “Minions,” “Encanto,” “Avatar” and “ Hotel Transylvania.” There were also pumpkins that featured the popular games Minecraft and Among Us.

Patrons could observe the artists carving out pumpkins or other gourds in a carving booth.

Kristen Griffen is this year’s director of the “Carved” team.

“I carved the bamboo this year with a drill,” Griffin said. “I didn’t get to focus on pumpkins as much this year, but I did design them. I carved patterns in 45 bamboo shoots. For the pumpkins, we do a lot of designs for pop culture, movies like “Encanto,” “Turning Red” and “Twilight Zone,” and our memorials. I’ve been carving for eight years.”

Zach Faraday is another carver.

“Typically our pumpkin carving time can range from six to 14 hours. Fourteen hours is the most time I’ve spent carving one pumpkin,” he said. “We have about 15 artists this year; usually we had about 12 in the past. I’m part time now so I’ve completed four pumpkins so far this year [though] I’ve been pumpkin carving for eight years. It’s a beautiful, expressive art form.”

The Daylor family attended “Carved” for the first time.

“I’ve liked the lights and pumpkins,” Ethan Daylor said.

Austin Daylor, who was dressed in a green skeleton costume for the event, added, “I think it’s all cool! I liked the spider web. The pumpkins are very cool.”

Jack and Maria Oba Minassian was a couple who dressed up for the event.

“It’s our first time going to the ‘Carved’ event, but we have gone to Descanso Gardens before,” Maria said. “Everyone is in the Halloween holiday spirit. The lights are awesome. It is a nice family atmosphere.”

It was also the first time Daniel and Helen Olivares attended the “Carved” event.

“There is a lot of beautiful artwork and it is very festive,” said Daniel “‘Carved’ is a great kickoff to Halloween festivities and really fun for the kids, too, especially with the full moon tonight.”

Helen added, “One thing that was touching was the Dia de Los Muertos altar for the dead. It was very moving.”

To attend the “Carved” experience at Descanso Gardens, tickets must be purchased in advance for specific times; they are not available for purchase at the event. Tickets can be bought online in advance at https://www.descansogardens.org/programs-events/carved/. Children under age 2 are free and discounted tickets are available for members of Descanso Gardens. Parking is free and the gift shop with seasonal items is open for business during the park hours.