Halloween high jinks

It must be the Halloween season when a trip to the village post office turns into an up-close-and-personal encounter with a giant orb weaver spider, suspended in the center of a shimmering web, straddling a hanging flower basket and a magazine rack.

There is something about these visually frightening, yet harmless, harbingers of Halloween that evokes the holiday’s “trick or treat” spirit. With their eight hairy legs, enlarged abdomens and fanged jaws, orb weaver spiders are nature’s ambassadors of Halloween high jinks. But La Jollans looking for some free, frightening fun will need to dress the part to join in these Halloween weekend community celebrations:

★ The La Jolla Village Merchant Association’s Creepy Candy Crawl invites families to a Halloween afternoon of candy, costumes and fun. This walkable, pet-friendly event welcomes trick-or-treaters into participating storefronts identified by colorful balloons. A goodie bag pick up at the Real Estate Brokers Association (908 Kline Street), and costume contest sponsored by Geppetto’s toy store, bookend the festivities.

★ Celebrate the joy of being alive at La Jolla Swim Club’s Halloween and Día de los Muertos Spookfest Swim, Sunday, Nov. 2, at 8:30 a.m., at La Jolla Cove. Swimmers are encouraged to wear hand-decorated swim caps or show up in full costume and bring Day of the Dead goodies to share. Hot coffee and warm smiles will be provided.

How do you celebrate Halloween and Día de los Muertos? Share your holiday traditions with me at Molly@Windanseacommunications.com.