BLACK WIDOW SPIDER IS GRAND PRIZE WINNER AT LOS ALAMITOS RACE COURSE HALLOWEEN CARNIVAL

            Alexandra Isom combined her gymnastic skills and creativity to create the grand prize winning costume of a black widow spider at the 2024 Los Alamitos Halloween Costume Contest this past Saturday night.

Isom wore the black widow costume in front of her and the outfit featured the spider’s head, legs and abdomen. The black widow’s trademark red spots were also visible on the front part of her costume. What took the costume to the next level was Isom’s ability to walk on her hands and feet backwards, and when combined with her arachnid outfit, the creepy crawly spider costume truly came to life. The big crowd in attendance applauded and cheered each time that Isom “made” the spider crawl around.  

“I came up with this idea because I’m a gymnast and I love going backwards,” Isom said. “I can do really good tricks. I love this costume. We worked hard putting this costume together. The idea came up to me fast. I said, ‘Hey mom, I can do this. It would be a good idea to make me a spider, like a big one.”

After winning first place in the 7–8-year-old division of the costume contest, Isom was awarded the grand prize from a total seven different age divisions. She won a total of $700.

“Maybe I can spend it or save it, but I may spend it,” said Isom of her winnings.

Held in conjunction with the live racing program at Los Alamitos Race Course, the Costume Contest is one of the biggest in terms of attendance in North Orange County. Total attendance was estimated to be around 2,500. Proceeds from the event will benefit The Boys & Girls Club of Greater Anaheim & Cypress. 

The Los Alamitos Halloween Costume Contest featured seven different age divisions. Each divisional winner advanced to the grand finale. In addition to Alexandra Isom winning the 7-8 division, other winners included Emiliano Moreno as a Cook in the 2-year-old division;  Keilani Davis as Sally from Nightmare Before Christmas in the 3-4 year old division; Airini Zavalez as Mary Poppins in the  5-6 year old division; Kelly Rock as Witch Looking For Candy in the 9-11 division;  Kimberly Marcos as a Clown Portrait in the 12-15 division; and Taylor Howsley as Madam Leota of Hunted House in the 16 & up division. 

Photos and videos of the event can be seen on the track’s social media pages on Twitter and Instagram @losalracing. For more information on the event call 714-820-2690.  

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