Spider costume wins top prize at LARC event

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, which was held Oct. 19 at LARC, according to spokesperson Orlando Gutierrez.

According to a statement, 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.
Officials say 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 Racetrack’s huge crowd 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.

Also showing up this week were Mustard George and Ketsup Lynn Pardon, of Cypress, with their grandchildren.

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.