St. Madeleine Sophie’s Center, Downtown El Cajon Business Partners and

the City of El Cajon Present the 2nd Annual HauntFest on Main

20,000 are expected to the annual Halloween festival

EL CAJON, Calif. – (September 16, 2013) – On Friday, October 25, Downtown El Cajon will welcome back HauntFest on Main, an exciting family-friendly event featuring live music, a Terror Truck, costume contests, carnival rides, a car show, trick or treating, a Kidz Zone, a beer and wine garden, craft stations, gallery walk and a juried art show. The event, hosted by St. Madeleine Sophie’s Center, Downtown El Cajon Business Partners and the City of El Cajon, will take place on Main Street from 5-10 p.m.

This year will feature new entertainment on multiple stages including Rockola, Paul Cannon, Fuzzy Rankins, Jason Weber and Back to the Garden. The “Buried Alive” Terror Truck is a new addition designed to submerge guests into an unforgettable experience, assaulting senses, fears and phobias. This attraction is meant for guests 12 years of age and up, however younger guests can experience a less spooky version of the Terror Truck with lights on from 5 to 6 p.m.

Bountiful Art: A Juried Art Show will return this year to kick off its exhibition at HauntFest displayed at Sophie’s Gallery through November 29. Guests will be able to view local artists’ original work and celebrate the community. Amy Galpin, Associate Curator for Art of the Americans at the San Diego Museum of Art will judge submissions. More than $3,000 in cash prizes will be awarded. To submit a work of art, call 619.593.2205 or email sophiesgallery@stmsc.org.

A more traditional carnival experience will be offered on Rea Avenue to feature bumper cars, swings, a flying elephant ride and carnival games. In addition, free activities including showings of Scooby-Doo, Munsters and Addams Family episodes on a 26-foot projector screen, animal zombie show, themed balloon characters & face painting with award-winning artist from Cruzzing Balloons, dance performances and more will be available in the Kidz Zone.

HauntFest goers are also encouraged to wear their best costume, as a children and adults costume contest will take place at the Prescott Promenade Stage, with up to $350 in prizes.

The event is free to attend with tickets for the wine, beer and food tasting in a secured, fenced-in Beer & Wine Garden for $10.  Proceeds from this year’s Beer & Wine Garden will benefit the programs offered to more than 400 adults with developmental disabilities at St. Madeleine Sophie’s Center. Tickets can be purchased the day of the event from 4:30 – 9:30 pm at the Centennial Plaza (corner of Rea Avenue & Sulzfeld Way)!

For more information, visit www.HauntFest.org.

Sponsors include the City of El Cajon, Downtown El Cajon Business Partners, St. Madeleine Sophie’s Center, Viejas Casino & Resort, Waste Management, KPRi, CityBeat and Taylor Guitars.