LA MIRADA, CALIF. — Biola University will host “Candyland” for the 20th consecutive year on October 31, 2018 at 5 p.m. The event, hosted by students, will serve the local La Mirada community by offering an alternative to trick-or-treating for approximately 1,200 children.

Every year, Alpha Hall — the university’s all-female residence hall on campus — transforms their dorm into "Candyland" based off the children's board game with the same name. Children and families are invited to trick-or-treat through each floor of Alpha Hall on Halloween night. The event, designed by Biola students, caters to children ages three through eight years old. Children in 6th grade or under can enjoy free candy handed out by the residents of the hall and other activities.

Each floor of the residence hall will be dedicated to a different character from the Hasbro game. Children can look forward to seeing characters such as Princess Lollie and Gloppy as they visit each floor. In addition to to visiting the six floors in the building, families are encouraged to enjoy additional activities at the event such as games in the main lobby, face painting, a jump house and a whole community of students dressed up as characters.

The tradition of transforming Alpha residence hall into Candyland for an outreach event was founded when a Resident Director in Alpha Hall challenged her staff to think beyond themselves and plan an event that would serve those outside the Biola community. The staff came up with the idea of “Candyland” offering a safe and trustworthy event for families to attend on Halloween night. The event has since become a tradition for families.

Each year the residents of Alpha Hall bond as they work together to create a memorable event for the surrounding community. The students work hard to make this event a success despite busy schedules and demands of college life.

For more information, contact Jenna Loumagne, manager of media relations, at (562) 777-4061 or jenna.loumagne@biola.edu.