When the Lights Went Out, the Spirit Turned On

On Halloween night in 1947, a massive blackout plunged much of the Northeast into darkness.

 

Streetlights blinked out, porches went dark, and children clutched their candy bags in confusion.

 

Yet, instead of retreating indoors, families lit candles, built small fires, and handed out treats by hand.

 

Neighbors gathered together in the glow—sharing laughter, stories, and sweets under the stars.

 

That same sense of togetherness defines Moreno Valley today.

 

Whether it's the Inland Empire Fall Festival at the Southern California Fairgrounds in Perris, featuring a pumpkin patch, hay maze, and live entertainment, or the Day of the Dead Celebration at the Moreno Valley Civic Amphitheater, families here know how to make magic with what they have.

 

Even without power, Moreno Valley would still find a way to shine.

 

So, as the pumpkins flicker and the sun sets behind Box Springs Mountain, remember the Halloween when America celebrated without electricity—and discovered something brighter than light itself: community.