Parents and children packed into the Kern County Museum Foundation’s annual Safe Halloween to experience trick-or-treating in a well-structured, safe family environment.

The event takes places every year at the Kern County Museum, where over thirty sponsors decorate booths that give out safe candy to children.

Parents found the event to be a nice alternative to traditional trick-or-treating.

“We don’t have to worry about if the candy’s safe, plus you get to see a lot of kids,” said Ashley Pettichord, 26, who has come with her family to the event three times.

She said the friendliness of the atmosphere is what keeps bringing her back year after year.

“It’s a safe, family Halloween, and the kids really like it,” said Pettichord. “We like that there’s more than one night.”

This was Liz Southwood’s first year bringing her son, but she says it’s not her last.

“I brought him to have him see other kids in their costumes,” said Southwood. “It’s nice, kind of packed, but I would say it’s better than regular Halloween.”

Not everyone agreed with the night’s safe intentions however.

Joey Guebayrah said the kids who come out to these types of events don’t go regular trick-or-treating, and it ruins the tradition.

“It kills Halloween,” he said.

Most parents and children, however, actually prefer the easily maneuverable safe-Halloween setup.

“I’d rather go to this than regular trick-or-treating. It’s more structured and more safe,” said Jason Lephart, who likes the atmosphere and how everything is decorated.

His son Keith Lephart agreed, citing the haunted houses as his favorite.

“The barn one is cool,” he said.

Bakersfield College’s theater club participated in the festivities by passing out candy as well as performing a three-part skit dressed as Super Mario Bros. characters. President Mithra Arambula said he really enjoyed the event.

“It’s something to do for the community that’s really fun,” Arambula said. “We’ve done this before and [the turnout] is a lot better than we expected.”

This was his second year participating in the event, and said that placing in the awards portion of the night is a nice little added bonus.

“Last year, we won second place and we’re hoping to place again this year,” he said.

Theater club head writer Robert “Goose” Scott agreed the event was fun not only for the children, but also for all who participate.

“It’s been a lot of fun performing, seeing their faces light up,” said Scott. “We’re in character the whole time, and they appreciate us.”

Arambula and Scott agreed they would do the event again next year if they hadn’t already planned to transfer.

Other volunteers also enjoyed being able to see children dressed up as their favorite characters, such as Woody, Buzz Lightyear, Pac-Man, and of course, Disney princesses.

“They come here because it’s safe,” said Jakob Baker, 19, who was volunteering at the Kern County Fire Department booth. “They don’t have to worry about what happens in neighborhoods.”

“We’ve done this for the last three years and it’s just a fun way to get exposure in the community while doing things for the kids,” said Leanne Cave who volunteered at the Service Team of Professionals booth dressed as a cavewoman. “As old as we are, it’s also really nice to dress up.”