Happy Halloween! Our panel of spooky judges received some amazing stories from very talented edhatters. We were very impressed by the quality of writing and imagination by all our submissions.

Before we announce the winner, it’s time to meet our judges:

Lauren is the publisher of edhat and fan of chocolate and caramel candies. This year she’ll be dressing up as a State Street consultant hoping the city will give her a check.

JaneTV is edhat’s film and movie columnist who enjoys a scary movie and a spooky story. This year she’ll be dressing up as a ghost and will skip parties and stay home to watch movies.

The judges rated each story on a scale of 1 to 5. Every story has the same beginning and must include the phrases: spider web, Lobero Theatre, and Skittles.

Congratulations to Cam Jerdante for submitting their winning story “A Historical Haunting.” Cam has won a $50 to Trader Joe’s!

Our judges have also chosen “Halloween Past” by Jolinda Pizzirani as this year’s runner-up winner and selected honorable mentions. All stories are available to read below.

2023 Edhat Winning Halloween Story

A Historical Haunting
By Cam Jerdante

As darkness settles over State Street, a crisp autumn breeze whispers through the streets, swirling fallen leaves in its wake. Businesses are adorned with flickering Jack-o’-lanterns casting an eerie glow. Children’s laughter fills the air as they excitedly skip around in costumes while parents hand out candy. Tourists are taking photos, bicyclists are whipping by, servers bustling from table to table. Little do they all know, something mysterious is about to unfold, lurking in the shadowy corners, ready to bring chills down their spines on this Halloween night.

Amongst the hustle and bustle of the Halloween festivities, a group of friends decides to visit the historic Lobero Theatre. Known for its grandeur and ghostly legends, the theater adds an extra layer of intrigue to the already magical night. Braving the darkness, they make their way towards the imposing building, unaware of the otherworldly encounter that awaits them.

As they step into the Lobero Theatre, a hush falls over them, the haunted atmosphere seeping into their bones. The grand chandelier hanging from the ceiling emits a dim, flickering light, casting eerie shadows across the ornate walls. They cautiously explore the corridors, each step echoing through the silent theater.

Unexpectedly, the group stumbles upon an abandoned concession stand, covered in spiderwebs and dust. To their surprise, a single pack of Skittles lies on the counter, as if awaiting its rightful owner. Curiosity gets the best of them, and one of the friends reaches out to pick up the candy, feeling an inexplicable energy emitting from it.

As they inspect the Skittles, a voice echoes through the empty theater, a chilling sound that causes their hair to stand on end. “Who dares to disturb my domain?” the voice resonates, sending shivers down their spines. Suddenly, the theater comes alive with a haunting melody, as if a phantom orchestra has started playing in the dark.

With trepidation, they follow the haunting music, drawn towards the stage, where a figure emerges from the shadows. It is the ghost of a former performer, trapped within the Lobero Theatre for all eternity. Dressed in a tattered costume, the ghostly figure glides gracefully across the stage, indulging in one final performance on this special Halloween night.

Enthralled by the ghostly spectacle, the friends watch in awe as the apparition dances and sings, his ethereal voice filling the theater. The Skittles in their hands begin to glow, enhancing the magic in the air. The ghost reveals that he was once a famous performer, cursed to forever entertain the spirits that linger within the Lobero Theatre.

As the glamorous performance comes to an end, the ghostly figure bows and fades away, returning to the realms of the unknown. The theater falls silent once more, but the memory of the ghostly encounter lingers in the hearts of the friends. They leave the Lobero Theatre with a newfound appreciation for the stories that hide within the shadows, grateful for the enchanting and chilling Halloween experience they had just witnessed.

Runner-Up Winner

Halloween Past
By Jolinda Pizzirani

I looked down at the strange invitation I had found on my front doorstep:

“You are invited to a very special event tonight. Meet us at 8 pm in front of the Lobero Theatre. Don’t be late!”

Since I had no other plans for this Halloween night, I decided to go and see what this was all about. When I arrived at the Lobero, it was closed and dark, but there was a small group of people at the corner, so I walked over to join them.

“Anyone know what is going on?” I asked. But everyone just murmured and shook their heads. The wind was whistling, and I shivered as I began to think this might not be a good idea. Just then, around the corner came a trolley that was decorated in Halloween finery and spider webs and lit only minimally giving it an eerie look.

Silently, we all climbed aboard and found a seat where a package of Skittles was waiting for us to enjoy during the ride. A strange, vibrating voice sounding like Boris Karloff spoke from an unknown source as the trolley started moving towards State Street.

“You have been specially selected to experience this unique visit to Halloween Past. Please stay seated and keep your arms and legs inside the trolley.”

As we turned down State Street, I was surprised to see a four-lane road with cars traveling in both directions. It reminded me of the days when young people “cruised” State Street to meet others. Gone were the parklets and restricted travel through the downtown area. I noticed a few of my fellow passengers were smiling and chuckling at this change.

We took a slight detour on De la Guerra and entered the circular road surrounding the Plaza. We all gasped in delight when we saw the NewsPress building lit up and bustling with activity, including young people selling newspapers on the curb.

Back on State Street, Paseo Nuevo was once again bursting with shoppers as lively music played and trick-or-treaters abounded.

After going under the overpass, we turned left on Cabrillo and through Montecito until we turned right on Olive Mill Road. As we neared the ocean, the magnificent Biltmore Hotel appeared and was brightly lit and busy with visitors. Couples walked across the street to the Coral Casino dressed in costumes, enticed by the live band playing inside.

I felt as if I were in a trance of some kind. Was this all a trick of my mind or were things really back as they had been in years past? Everyone around me seemed just as confused, but pleasantly so.

As we slowly made our way back to the Lobero, the cool evening was giving way to lightly falling rain. No words were exchanged as we exited the trolley and went to find our parked cars. As I contemplated which direction to take on my way home, I decided not to go via State Street. I wanted to remember the way things were for a bit longer.

I walked into my living room and flipped on the TV. There was John Palminteri reporting that KEYT had received several reports of a strange Halloween Trolley. However, he went on to say that no trollies of that type had been in service for years, so the reports were believed to be fictitious.

Happy Halloween!

Honorable Mentions

Devil’s Den
By Adam Schrant

At the corner of the street, just between the costume store and the coffee shop, stood an old and creepy mansion. The locals knew it as Devils’ Den, and the stories that surrounded it were enough to make anyone’s skin crawl. Legend had it that the house was cursed, and the devil himself roamed the halls on Halloween night, wreaking havoc on anyone who dared to enter.

As the night went on, a group of friends decided to investigate the mansion, determined to disprove the rumors once and for all. They shrugged off the warnings of passers-by, telling them it was a bad idea, and made their way to the mansion.

Their footsteps echoed through the empty house as they explored the dimly lit hallways. They laughed in disbelief at the tales of the devil, not expecting to find anything remotely resembling the cursed creature. But as they made their way to the back of the house, they heard sounds that curdled their blood.

Whispers came from a room above them, growing louder with each passing moment. It was as if the devil himself was calling them out to his chambers. They hesitated at the base of the staircase, debating whether to turn back or to explore further.

Against their better judgment, they climbed the stairs, their hearts thumping in their chests. As they reached the top, they saw the glow of a faint red light seeping through the door at the end of the hall, beckoning them forward.

The group approached the door cautiously, peering through the keyhole to see the devil sitting at his table. He was playing a game of cards with some other demonic creatures, deranged souls who had fallen under his spell and offered themselves up to the devil.

Suddenly, the devil looked up, his eyes piercing through the keyhole and into the eyes of the group. He invited them in, tossing them a card that revealed their fate. The group was now trapped, locked inside the mansion with no escape. The devil had claimed them as his own, and they became his latest prize to be kept in the den for all eternity.

As dawn broke, the sound of chains rattling and the screams of the cursed filled the mansion. No one dared to enter, not even the police, who knew it was doomed from the moment the moon had risen. The once-thriving city had been consumed by darkness forevermore. The devil had triumphed, and State Street would never be the same again.

Good and Evil
By Jenn Byron

As the clock strikes midnight, an otherworldly hush falls upon the crowded streets. The laughter fades, and the once bustling scene becomes deserted and filled with spider webs, as if frozen in time. A thick fog begins to creep in from the sea, snaking its way through the alleys and enveloping the abandoned storefronts.

From the depths of the misty fog emerges a figure, dressed in tattered garments and a wide-brimmed hat. Their eyes, glowing a ghastly green, scan the desolate street, searching for unsuspecting souls to ensnare. With each step, whispers of a centuries-old curse echo through the air.

A shiver runs down the spine of a passerby near the Lobero Theatre as they feel an icy breath on the back of their neck. They turn, but there is no one to be seen. The figure continues its haunting stroll, leaving a trail of unease in its wake. The flickering Jack-o’-lanterns dim, their flames dancing to an unknown rhythm.

As the night deepens, a courageous group of friends venture out, oblivious to the eerie stillness. They navigate the empty street’s dark corners, guided by their daring curiosity. Laughter mixed with nervous anticipation and pockets full of Skittles fills the air as they exchange ghost stories, unaware of the true terror that lies ahead.

Suddenly, the figure steps out from the shadows. The air grows heavy, and the temperature plummets. The friends freeze, their breath caught in their throats, as their worst nightmares materialize before them. The figure’s withered hand extends toward them, wrinkled fingers curling. A chilling voice warns them to turn back, to escape the clutches of this supernatural presence.

Fear courses through their veins, but a flicker of defiance sparks within their hearts. They stand tall, united against the malevolent force. With a cry of determination, they confront the figure, channeling their strength and bravery.

In a burst of ethereal light, a battle between darkness and courage ensues. Spells are cast, and spirits clash, each side summoning every ounce of power they possess. The dark figure’s grip weakens as their sinister intentions are met with unwavering determination.

Finally, with a resounding burst, the figure dissolves into the night, vanishing into thin air. The fog clears, and life returns to the once desolate streets of State Street. The flickering Jack-o’-lanterns reignite, casting a warm glow upon the recovered city.

The friends, breathless but victorious, exchange triumphant smiles. They have conquered the unknown, banishing fear from their hearts. As the first rays of dawn creep over the horizon, they depart, forever bonded by the shared experience of a Halloween night they will never forget.

And so, the streets of State Street awaken once again, oblivious to the mysterious events of the previous night. The businesses prepare for another bustling day, the children return to laughter-filled play, and the tourists capture new memories. Yet, in the shadowy corners, a lingering magic remains, a reminder that on this Halloween night, courage prevailed, and darkness was defeated.

Donnie and his Spidey Sense
By Kim Favors

Hi ya’ll.

Something mysterious? In shadowy corners? Not really. We’re simply spiders out flying atop our webs and looking for some fun. I’m Tod. My sister, Libby, couldn’t come tonight. So cousin Donnie might join me — if he ever gets his directions figured out.

What we’re doing is called “ballooning,” a way for we young’uns to explore new locales. We let the breezes carry us. Get smacked in the face with some sticky, stringy stuff? That might be one of us and our spider web. Trust me, it’s not just you who think it’s yucky. And we have to be cautious about where we fly. Too near food and people freak out, smacking us away. Too close to tall buildings and that smack might be permanent.

This evening the two of us — where are you Donnie? — will be exploring Santa Barbara.

Yes, we do like Halloween treats, but like I said, we have to be careful. With candy it’s like hit it a quick lick and fly off — and make sure you don’t get entangled.

Ah, there he is. “What took you so long?”

“Oh, just exploring. And I was checking out the Lobero Theatre. Remember that legend our elders passed down about a production of “Peter Pan” there? One of them found an open door in the dark and flew inside. Right smack into Tinker Bell. And carried her off into the night.”

“Oh Donnie, you made that up.”

“No I didn’t. Hey Tod, while there’s still a little light left, let’s check out the pier and beach. We can always return to State Street.”

Donnie races toward the wharf, suddenly does a quick updraft maneuver, then disappears. Sigh. Where did you head off to this time?

“Tod. Tod,” Donnie flies back, his tiny voice high with excitement.

“I found them — thousands, no, millions, no, kazillions of them.”

“Found what?”

“Skittles — my favorite. Follow me.”

Down along the waterfront I see what looks like a rainbow, ends planted in the ground. It has the brilliant colors, but something isn’t quite right. It’s angular and lacks the gentle edges of rainbows we’ve flown through in the past.

Donnie is so focused on scoring some Skittles that he doesn’t notice the anomalies. “I’m going down.”

“Donnie, I’m not sure about this.”

“Heading down. You know what they say: Touch the rainbow. Taste the rainbow.”

Sigh. Oh Donnie, not again. Any veterinarians out there who specialize in spider care?

Trick-or-Treat
By Paola Torres-Garcia

A group of friends had a get-together on Halloween night. “We’re teenagers. We won’t get to do this for much longer.” Nathan attempted to convince his friends to join him in his journey to obtain the sweet treats. However, his friends were still contemplating the idea. “Come on guys, please! I want skittles! I heard there’s a house around the corner who’s giving out full sized candy bags and bars.” He continued to beg. “I’m in.” Everyone simultaneously agreed. As they began walking, the night was cold and silent. They walked down the busiest streets of Santa Barbara. Taylor noticed people were staring, giving her an eerie sensation, causing goosebumps to spread throughout her skin. “Hey, we’ll be okay. Nothing bad is going to happen.” Carel tries to assuage the tension. Taylor replied with a thankful smile.

After going to the big houses, the friend group decided to go down to the Lobero Theatre. They heard that there was supposed to be the best and biggest candy there. Also, the staff decorated the building to appear lurid and appealing to those who love all things spooky. “Trick-or-treat!” They all said with an affable tone. “Oh how adorable you all look. I remember being your age. Here you go. Enjoy your night and be safe.” The worker greeted the teens and sent them on their way. “Hey guys! I heard there’s a haunted house around here.” Shaundie informed. “No way! We should totally go!” Nathan enthusiastically agreed. “No thanks. I choose to live, thank you very much.” Taylor has never been a big fan of horror. “I think it’ll be fine. What’s the worst that could happen?” Carel rhetorically asks. “Umm EVERYTHING!? When does that question ever go unanswered? Have y’all never seen a horror movie? Well, we’re about to witness one if we go.” The group continues to contradict each other’s thoughts, until they’ve finally convinced Taylor to join.

As they make their way to the haunted house, Taylor’s paranoia grows. Once they’ve arrived, she’s not the only one with goosebumps layering on top of her skin. Chills and weird vibes are sent throughout everyone’s body. They start second-guessing themselves, but Nathan uplifts the mood saying, “YOLO!” He walks in first, Shaundie, Carel, and Taylor close behind. “Let’s not split up please, guys. Guys?” As she pleaded, she noticed the disappearance of her friends. “Guys! This isn’t funny! Come out!” The lights start to flicker, switching from on to red, then off. The room feels tighter. “Wow. Have I always been this claustrophobic? Is it getting hot in here?” Taylor starts to hyperventilate. “Come out please!” Just then, a girl simulating a horror movie character begins to crawl towards her. “AHHH! HELP ME!” Taylor frantically runs through the house and towards the exit. Whilst checking to see if she was being followed, she ran into a thick spider web prop. “HELP GET ME OUT OF THIS! IT’S GOT ME TRAPPED!” “Hey. Hey, it’s okay. We’re here.” Shaundie helped unravel Taylor from the spider web. “Where were you?! I nearly died!” “We were hiding for a couple seconds and then lost sight of you. One of the workers told us that he’d seen you already make it out, so we looked for you out here. But we soon realized he lied, so we just waited.” “They probably tried to get me alone in there, in order to do something to me. See, this is why I’ve been so paranoid today. I hate Halloween.” “Let’s all get out of here. People are staring.” Carel said. “Best idea we’ve had all night.” Taylor agreed.

The friends wanted to end the night on a good note. Therefore, they visited a few smaller houses, in hopes of getting more treats instead of tricks. After that, they went to Carel’s house. They emptied their pillow cases, brimmed with sugary sweets, onto the kitchen table. “I want that one.” “That one’s my favorite.” “I’ll trade you.” “Wait, can I have it instead?” They went one by one, trading most of their candies. Once they’d finished, they rested on the couch. “That was one eventful Halloween night.” Shaundie mentioned. “Agreed.” Everyone spoke. That’s the last time that I go into a haunted house and stay out this late.” Taylor emphasized. “We’ll see next year.” Stated Nathan. “That was weird how everyone kept on staring at us, no matter what we were doing.” Carel mentioned. “Yea, it felt as if they were a part of the house’s intentions.” Taylor added. Within moments, there were thuds at the door. Everyone faced the door and then looked at one another, questioning who would come at this hour. Carel peeked through the peephole, astonished by who she had seen. “Who is it?” The rest of them questioned. “He found us.”

Lifting the Veil
By Barbara Schreibke

As darkness settles over State Street, a crisp autumn breeze whispers through the streets, swirling fallen leaves in its wake. Businessesses are adorned with flickering Jack-o’-lanterns casting an eerie glow. Children’s laughter fills the air as they excitedly skip around in costumes while parents hand out candy. Tourists are taking photos, bicyclists are whipping by, servers bustling from table to table. Little do they all know, something mysterious is about to unfold, lurking in the shadowy corners, ready to bring chills down their spines on this Halloween night.

I turn away from the scene, leaving State Street. In spite of the electric energy, the gaiety in the air, a sense of dejection hangs in the air like a shroud. Businesses have closed up after short, desperate stints. People who shouldn’t have to sleep on sidewalks, curled up here and there. The rest of us ignore desperation by insisting that going through the motions frenetically will fend off the gloom.

I’ve made my way to the corner where the Lobero Theatre sits. As I stand by the marquee in the gathering dark and stare at posters of upcoming shows, I feel more than see the huge doors opening wide. Startled, I looked at them. Before I realize what they’re about, my feet start moving. They take me through the doors, past the foyer, and into the audience section.

The curtain rises, and I see the State Street I’d just left behind in miniature, all laid out on the stage. Incredulously, I take in the sight. The children in their costumes are laughing. The parents are bestowing candies and other treats on any takers within reach. Tourists are bedazzled by the Ray Bradbury mystique of carnival approaching town, and the bicyclists and servers are kept busy in their separate, perpetual motions.

Only there is a difference. The businesses on the stage are vibrant. Visitors are in every shop, and the restaurant chairs are filled around tables laden with specialty foods. The only loiterers on the sidewalks are buskers, singing indy songs and reggae. The pianos on State Street have captured those who were given lessons as children and never forgot how the music made them feel. Each block is full of its own harmonious sound. Likewise, the air smells rich in pockets of Indian and Asian cuisine . . . sweet cream from the ice cream shop.

Absent-mindedly, I pull out my half=eaten packet of Skittles. I munch them, one by one, standing in the dark as I view the stage. The scene makes me smile. I have another Skittle and wonder what flavor it is. Since I can’t make out the color in the dark, I am at a loss. All I taste is the tangy sweetness as I bite down and strain the flavor between my teeth.

I sigh. I can’t stay here forever. I wish . . . the world on stage could be replicated on the State Street I just left. After the pandemic, the mainline of the city never had a chance to regain its verve. Downtown Santa Barbara just hasn’t been the same, and it makes me sad.

I leave the darkness of the theater to walk outside where the darkness is almost absolute. A spider web brushes against my face as I pass through the doorway. I swipe at it. The sticky silkiness of the thread tickles my cheek. I brush again. I feel bad for the spider who worked so hard to make its web. Then I remember my niece informing me that spiders rebuild their webs every day.

I’m not saying humans are better than arachnids, but if spiders can restore their work, maybe we can regenerate as well. The vision I had of the tiny Santa Barbara come to life on the stage lingers in my mind’s eye as far above me, a star shoots across the black-canopied sky.

Missed Calls
By Yulia Polunets

“I told you coming out tonight was a mistake!” Chloe exclaimed, shielding her form with her arms as if that would hide her away from the world.

“Would you calm down? Try to loosen up and have some fun for once in your life,” Willow groaned. “You were onboard with this just a few hours ago.”

“Maybe that’s cause I thought there would at least be some people around our age here other than us!” Chloe hissed, her voice breaking near the end of the sentence once she felt the passing eyes fall on her, causing her to shrink even further into herself. “I’m sorry, it’s just.. embarrassing. I feel like everyone is staring at us.”

Willow sighed, concededing, “Fine, how about we just go back to my place for the night? I don’t think we’ll have fun here if you’re this self-conscious. I’ll call my brother.”

Chloe lit up at Willow’s words, mirroring the bright, carved smiles of the pumpkins surrounding them, “Yeah, I’d like that.”

Willow sighed again, knowing she’d regret yielding to Chloe later, but she didn’t try to argue again. She dialed her brother.

He didn’t pick up.
Willow frowned but thought nothing of it, immediately going to call him again.
He didn’t pick up.
With Willow’s eyes still on her phone screen, she noticed Chloe’s hands fidgeting beside

her. Willow had to admit that this was spooking her as well, she couldn’t recall a time when her Nathan didn’t pick up, being the responsible older brother that he was.

This could’ve just been her mind getting the best of her, she knew that. Maybe he was in the bathroom. Willow was just about to convince herself of that, but a phone call from her mom came.

“Hi honey, is Nathan with you? He was supposed to be home, but he’s not here. I called his friends, but they know nothing about his whereabouts either.”

“No, I’ve been trying to get a hold of him as well, he’s supposed to pick Chloe and me up.” A strange feeling of dread filled her chest. “Can you just… pick us up please? This is freaking me out.”

30 minutes passed since Willow asked her mom to come pick her and Chloe up. They were still standing in the same place. Willow suddenly felt as if Chloe’s fears weren’t all that irrational.

All of a sudden, there was a man in front of her. Willow had to stop herself from screaming as she couldn’t understand where he came from or when.

“Are you Willow Evans?” “Who are you?”

“Your mom got into an accident and I was her emergency contact. She told me to come pick you girls up.” Willow knew his words were absurd. She never saw this man before. Why would he be her mom’s emergency contact?

But even with those doubts plaguing her mind, something about this chilling night clouded her mind. She couldn’t refuse. What else was she supposed to do? What if he was telling the truth?

Tthe girls followed the strange man.

Just 5 minutes later, a woman walked up to the same spot Chloe and Willow were previously standing in. There were 2 phones on the ground, trampled on by the feet of children.

The woman picked one phone up and turned it on, in the homescreen was a picture of Chloe and Willow.

Untitled
By Annette Magneheim

Hurry, or we’ll be late Karen, my sister yelled. Lisa was bound and determined not to be late! Lisa was dressed as BARBIE. She was a Plethora of pink, pink, and more pink. Of course, pink was her Favorite color. So it wasn’t a far stretch as to costume choice. Big blonde hair, pink lipstick and pink stiletto sparkle shoes completed her ensemble. We were on our way to the Santa Barbara Annual Haunted House and After-party at the Lobero Theatre. Karen, PLEASE hurry, she begged, Lisa always loved this Holiday, she loved gorging herself with all the different Halloween candy especially the SKITTLES.

I was bound and determined to be on time for once in my life. I was always on time and lately had been late or very late. It wasn’t my fault, I muttered to myself, it was everything around me keeping my timing off. No matter what the deal was I was Always on time, and now just one little hiccup andy timing was off by a mile.

It’s just around the corner, Lisa exclaimed. We’re almost there. We turned the corner and ran into a A Great Big Spider Web as Big as I’ve ever seen ….

Stranger Danger
By Karina Morales

Once upon a time, there was a 6-year-old, sweet, playful, and adventurous. One night she was on her porch eating Skittles when suddenly a white van stopped at her house and took her away. The kidnappers from the van leaned her in by bribing her that they had some free candy so she would go in volunteering. Her parents are noticing that the house is oddly quiet. So the parents are searching for her, yelling desperately for her name, and still nothing. Then her parents think of where she might have gone to, and it’s the Lobero Theatre since it’s her favorite place to be. The parents looking for her and still nothing. All of a sudden they get a phone call from the kidnappers saying that they have their daughter and that to get her back they are going to give them half a million dollars. The only reason why the kidnappers want so much is that they know that they are a rich family so they are using them to get money. In no doubt, the parents are willing to give them money just so their daughter can be safe with them. The kidnappers gave them a location to meet up. The place is an abandoned mansion and entering in there are spider webs in every corner and it looks like it’s haunted as well. Once they handed the money to the kidnappers, they promised that they would get their daughter back. However, that wasn’t the case.

The Haunted Lobero Theatre
By Keilly Hernandez

The night was unusually dark in Santa Barbara and the fog covered the streets. Sarah was in her room under her warm blanket, her eyes on the bookshelf where she spotted her bag of Skittles. It was a spooky night perfect for a scary story, she thought. she chewed on her colorful candies as she read a scary book from her bookshelf.

“Once upon a time in Santa Barbara there was a grand old theater called the Lobero. It was a place where actors, dancers, and musicians would perform amazing shows but one Halloween night something strange happened at the theater.” Sarah paused and glanced out of her window at the fog that covered her street.

“On that Spooky Night, the theater was covered in spider webs spun by creepy spiders but these weren’t ordinary spider webs they glowed in the dark casting shadows on the walls. The story says that the spiders were protectors of the theater guarding something hidden in the walls.”

“Legend has it that anyone who dared to enter the Lobero theater on Halloween Night and finds these creepy spiders. It said that those with a good heart and lives in offering at the center of the stage might be granted a wish.” Sarah glanced at the skittles in her hands wondering if they could be an offering, “but there was a catch she continued those who were greedy or not good hearted would face a punishment. They would find themselves stuck in the glowing webs and never to be seen again.’

Then a rush of wind shook her window and Sarah couldn’t help but feel chills run down her back but she smiled because she felt safe and cozy in her room. whiskers jumped onto Sarah’s lap feeling safer with by her side

“And that is why you should always be kind and generous,” she took her last bite of her skittles and then she wrapped herself in her blanket. She glanced at the window and she thought she had seen something outside. It was already midnight at the fog got stronger she thought she was just spooked from the story. She got up to go peek out the window, tip toeing across her room. Right outside was an outline of a man, Although it was hard to see she knew it was a man just standing as if he was staring into her eye. She panicked and ran to hide under her blanket. She stayed there the whole night frozen and scared.

When it was morning it was still gloomy and foggy. Her parents gave her an envelope that had her name on it and a pretty gold stamp. They had told her that it was laying on the front porch. She went to her room to open it and when she opened it she couldn’t believe it. It was an invitation to the Lobero theater.

Untitled
By Sanita Wilhelm

If the judge likes horror stories, then this one will surely send shivers down their spine. It all began one gloomy evening, when a young couple, Liam and Claire, decided to visit an old abandoned” Lobero theater “in their small town. Legend had it that the theater was haunted.

Undeterred by the rumors, Liam and Claire entered the dilapidated building with a mix of excitement and trepidation. Spiderwebs clung to the walls and ceiling, casting ghostly silhouettes in the dim light.

The creaking floorboards echoed through the empty space, magnifying their apprehension. Suddenly, a gust of wind blew through the hallways, extinguishing their flashlights. They were left in complete darkness.

Claire’s heart raced as she felt a cold breath on the back of her neck. She turned around, only to see a figure disappearing into the shadows. Amongst the chaos, they discovered an old, worn-out chest. Curiosity got the better of them, and they pried it open. Inside, they found a small bag filled with colorful candies Skittles.

As they reached for the bag, a chilling voice reverberated through the room. “Those who indulge in the forbidden sweetness shall be forever trapped within these haunted walls, it warned. Liam and Claire exchanged fearful glances.Ignoring the warning, they each took a handful of Skittles, popping them into their mouths. Instantly, a wave of dizziness washed over them, and the room began to spin.

As they navigated through the maze-like corridors, the ghostly figure they had seen earlier materialized before them. It was a judge, adorned in a tattered robe, his face hidden beneath a black hood. “You have awakened the spirits that dwell within,” the judge hissed. “Now, you shall forever remain in this cursed theater.

Terrified, Liam and Claire desperately searched for an escape route.The theater itself seemed to come alive, its walls pulsating with malevolence. Spiderwebs appeared out of thin air, entangling their limbs and slowing their movements.

In their struggle to break free, Liam dropped the bag of Skittles, scattering the colorful candies across the floor. As the skittles rolled away, they left behind trails of vibrant hues, as if marking a path. An idea sparked in Claire’s mind.Following the skittle trail, they weaved through the winding corridors, narrowly evading phantom apparitions that lunged at them from the shadows. With each step, the theater seemed to grow more treacherous, its architecture morphing into a twisted nightmare.

Finally, they reached the grand stage, its velvet curtains billowing ominously. The judge stood at the center, his eyes gleaming with a wicked delight. “There is no escape,” he sneered, his voice echoing through the theater. “You shall forever be trapped in this theater of nightmares.

Claire gathered her courage and stepped forward. “If this is a theater, then we shall put on the performance of our lives!” she declared, her voice resolute. “We will give the judge a show he won’t forget.

With a wave of her hand, the stage came alive with a burst of ethereal light. The curtains rose, revealing a cast of spectral dancers, their movements graceful yet haunting. Liam and Claire joined the ethereal troupe, their bodies moving in perfect synchrony, their performance an enchanting display of defiance.

As the judge watched, his power waned. The theater itself began to crumble, its malevolent energy dissipating. The skittle trail, now glowing with an otherworldly radiance, led Liam and Claire towards the exit, pulling them away from the crumbling ruins.

Gasping for breath, they found themselves outside the abandoned theater, free from its ghostly grip. They looked back, seeing only rubble and darkness where the cursed building once stood.

Though shaken by their harrowing experience, Liam and Claire realized the power of their determination and resilience.

They had faced their fears within the eerie theater, overcoming the clutches of the judge’s curse.

And as they walked away, a glimmer of hope emerged within them. For they knew that, sometimes, even the darkest of places can be transformed into something beautiful’

2023 Edhat Halloween Story Contest Rules

Original Post
By the edhat staff

The spooky season is upon us and we’re back with our annual Halloween Story Writing Contest. Creative edhatters from Santa Barbara County and beyond continue to amaze us with their innovative and eerie imaginations.

Whether you’re a longtime submitter or a first-time writer, we encourage you all to dust off that fountain pen, grab a sheet of parchment, and start writing. Plus, we have a great gift card in store for the winner! As usual, we’ve given you a head start.

HERE ARE THE RULES:

This contest is open to everyone, students included! One story per person, please.

Entries can be no longer than 660 words (including the provided beginning), should be suitable for all ages (PG content, please), must include the opening we have provided, and contain the following three words or phrases: