The Festival of Arts and Pageant of the Masters brought ghoulish delight to Laguna Beach October 27, 28, 29 and 31 during the long-awaited return of Pageant of the Monsters. The Halloween festivities attracted sold-out crowds of over 9,000 locals and visitors – shattering the previous record set during the last event in 2018. Funds for this program were provided in part by the lodging establishments and the City of Laguna Beach.
“We’re delighted with the overwhelming success of this year’s Pageant of the Monsters. The enthusiastic participation from our volunteers and the excited response from the community is what makes this event so special,” shared Diane Challis Davy, Pageant of the Masters Director and creator of the Monsters event. “We’re grateful for everyone who contributed to making this event a memorable and magical experience. We can’t wait to do it again in 2028.”
The haunted house, themed the “Maze of the Minotaur” for 2023, brought guests through the Pageant’s amphitheater, workshops and stage which had been transformed into the labyrinth from ancient legend by the Pageant’s creative team. Welcoming guests into the maze, a Greek oracle was projected over the stage and told the story of the brave warrior Theseus and his quest to rescue captives from the savage Minotaur. Greek mythology inspired the haunting vignettes throughout the maze with appearances by Zeus, Medusa, Pandora, Poseidon, Aphrodite among other gods, monsters and creatures – all performed by over 100 volunteer cast members. Volunteers also assisted with make-up, costumes and other behind-the-scenes roles to bring Challis Davy’s haunted maze to life.
At the entrance to the Festival of Arts grounds, guests passed under giant green monster claws and spiderwebs, to be greeted by thirteen scarecrows for the return of the Pageant of the Monsters’ Scarecrow Contest. Attendees voted for their favorites from October 27 to 29 for the People’s Choice Award. On Halloween night, the winner was announced as well as the top three selected by Challis Davy. Taking the first place prize of $500 was an a-maze-zing minotaur scarecrow created by Joseph Feinberg titled “Maize of the Minotaur.” The second place prize of $250 was awarded to “Wednesday Scares Crows” by James and Kristen Yates. The third place prize of $100 went to “The Watcher” by Jayne Dion, who also took home People’s Choice Award.
In addition to the haunted house and scarecrow contest, Pageant of the Monsters offered many fang-tastic festivities such as the Alien Autopsy and Demented Chef side shows. Laguna Beach arts organizations, including Laguna Art-A-Fair, Sawdust Art and Craft Festival, Laguna Art Museum, Laguna Playhouse and LOCA Arts Education, filled the Festival of Arts grounds with free Halloween-themed art activities. Families enjoyed face painting, art displays, and having their fortunes told, as well as the chance to meet snakes and other creatures from the Reptile Zoo. The Halloween ambiance was further enhanced with costumed stilt-walkers, Pageant sets, silent movies, and live DJs, making it a spook-tacular event for all to enjoy.
Pageant of the Monsters bids a chilling farewell as it embarks on a haunting hiatus, returning in 2028 for the Festival of Arts and Pageant of the Masters 95th Anniversary Celebration. For more information on upcoming events, follow the Festival and Pageant on social media at @FestivalPageant and visit www.foapom.com.