Colleges Nine and John R. Lewis welcome Watsonville families for All Hallow’s Eve celebration

On October 25, the fall spirit brought a hundred families from Watsonville’s Calabasas Elementary School and the Calabasas Community Garden to UCSC’s Colleges 9 and John R. Lewis (JRL) to celebrate the harvest season during the annual All Hallow’s Eve event. This favorite tradition brings together UCSC students and Watsonville families to strengthen community connections.

For Colleges Nine and JRL, All Hallow’s Eve is an annual opportunity to deepen bonds with Watsonville program partners, with the (H)ACER program playing a central role in bridging the university and neighboring communities. Designed to create meaningful interactions and opportunities for elementary students to experience campus life, the festive, fun-filled evening allows UCSC students and Watsonville families to come together as one community.

“It’s such a joy to see our students and Watsonville families come together like this,” said Colleges Nine and John R. Lewis Provost Kim Lau. “Events like All Hallow’s Eve let us share traditions and build real connections.”

The event began with a harvest dinner, followed by a lively Oaxacan folklórico performance from Los Mejicas. Trick-or-treating in the College 9 and JRL apartments was exciting for younger guests, and afterward, they gathered in the C9/JRL community room for a variety of activities, including cornhole, crafts, Halloween-themed snacks and drinks, and a Polaroid photo booth.

“Every year we have a really great participation and turnout,” said Madison Armstrong, College 9 Academic Manager. “Students, both young and college-aged, really like trick-or-treating and other activities, it’s just a lot of fun for everyone involved.”

In partnership with Yolanda Diaz, Calabasas Community Garden community education specialist, the (H)ACER program, under the directorship of Néstor Silva, aims to expand community ties, offering events like All Hallow’s Eve to deepen relationships with Watsonville families. This year saw an increase in new families joining in–over 100–while UCSC students from across campus also participated by cheering on performers and sharing in the excitement of trick-or-treating.

“The event speaks to providing space for community to happen and celebrating the harvest season,” Armstrong said. “It’s a well-loved tradition that brings us closer every year.”