The Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station once again transformed into a family-friendly Halloween destination Sunday, welcoming hundreds of residents for its annual Haunted Jailhouse and Halloween Carnival.

The Haunted Jailhouse, hosted by the Boys & Girls Club of Santa Clarita Valley with support from the City of Santa Clarita, ran from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the station on Golden Valley Road. Families came dressed in costumes for a day of contests, games, food trucks, and of course, a walk through the station’s spooky jail.

 

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“It’s my favorite community engagement event of the year,” said Captain Brandon Barclay, who brought his young son dressed as Jack-Jack from The Incredibles. “It kind of kicks off the fall season. People get to see a haunted jailhouse, our vehicles, our search and rescue team, and the costume contests. It’s invigorating, it humanizes the badge and shows the community we’re here for them.”

Costumes, Contests & Community Spirit

From toddlers dressed as superheroes to teens dressed as pop culture icons, the costume contests drew big crowds. June Bardeen, who handmade her children’s costumes – including a spaghetti and meatballs outfit, Legend of Zelda character, and “Rumi” from KPop Demon Hunters – said her family was excited to join in for the first time.

“We were just looking for an opportunity to come support our local sheriffs and show off our costumes,” Bardeen said. “It looked safe, fun and very community-focused. Parents should definitely bring their kids next year, it’s a great way to meet deputies and see what they do for our community.”

Haunted Jailhouse Brings Chills

Sophia Lesseos | KHTS

Perhaps the most popular attraction was the Haunted Jailhouse, decorated by members of the Boys & Girls Club. This year’s theme leaned into a Friday the 13th vibe, complete with a robotic Jason and eerie lighting.

Deputy Mariela Picard, attending her first year as part of the organizing team, said the community’s response was overwhelming.

“It’s creepy and fun—the kids love it. The Boys & Girls Club decorated everything themselves, from the makeup to the props,” Picard said. “It’s also a way for the community to see the station in a different light. We want people, especially kids, to know we’re just normal people who live here too. They shouldn’t be afraid of us—we’re here to help.”

A Family Tradition

For many families, the Haunted Jailhouse has become a tradition. Deputies say it’s an important chance for children to see law enforcement as approachable.

“This is community engagement 101,” Barclay said. “When kids high-five deputies or pet a sheriff’s horse, it leaves a lasting impression. It’s important that they know they can trust us.”

Picard agreed, noting that her own children joined in the festivities. “I love working with kids,” she said. “The younger they come, the better—it helps them see deputies as role models and not something to fear.”

Supporting Local Youth

Admission to the carnival was a $5 donation, with all proceeds benefiting the Boys & Girls Club of Santa Clarita Valley. The event also featured booths from local vendors, demonstrations by the fire department and CHP, and family activities run by sheriff’s volunteers and search and rescue.

By the end of the afternoon, families left with candy bags, contest ribbons, and memories of a community celebration that blended spooky fun with meaningful connections.

“Every year it gets bigger,” Picard said. “It’s stressful to plan, but at the end of the day we all say, ‘That was great, let’s do it again.’”

KHTS FM 98.1 and AM 1220 is Santa Clarita’s only local radio station. KHTS mixes in a combination of news, traffic, sports, and features along with your favorite adult contemporary hits. Santa Clarita news and features are delivered throughout the day over our airwaves, on our website and through a variety of social media platforms. Our KHTS national award-winning daily news briefs are now read daily by 34,000+ residents. A vibrant member of the Santa Clarita community, the KHTS broadcast signal reaches all of the Santa Clarita Valley and parts of the high desert communities located in the Antelope Valley. The station streams its talk shows over the web, reaching a potentially worldwide audience. Follow @KHTSRadio on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.