In Irvine, you know Halloween is near when the Balloon at the Orange County Great Park displays the iconic jack-o-lantern face, affectionately known as “Jack.”  Jack’s arrival also signals the annual Fall Food Drive at the Park, offering visitors a way to support local food banks. 

Jack made his appearance on the Balloon on Sept. 27; he will stick around through Nov. 1. The Great Park Balloon flies Thursdays and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 7 to 10 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 7 to 10 p.m., weather permitting.

The Halloween season also marks the beginning of the Great Park’s Fall Food Drive. Help support hunger relief by donating canned goods or nonperishable food items when visiting the Great Park in October and November. Collection bins will be located at the Great Park Visitors Center Thursdays through Sundays from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., and at the South Lawn Sports Building Monday through Friday from 4 to 10 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. All donations benefit Community Action Partnership’s Orange County Food Bank and Second Harvest Food Bank.

For more information, visit ocgp.org or call 949-724-6247.