SAN MARCOS -- Santa and Halloweentown leader Jack Skellington are teaming up this weekend at Richland Elementary to give the community a haunted holiday.

The school's annual haunted house and Halloween carnival has a holiday twist this year because the ghoulish festivities were rescheduled from October, when a raging firestorm forced many North County residents from their homes.

It's the first time in more than 30 years the Friends of Richland parent club had to put a spin on the events, which kick off with a haunted house in the school's cafeteria from 5:30 to 9 p.m. today and continue Saturday with a carnival from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

"To be sensitive to the people in the community, the timing couldn't be too close to the fires," said Jean Perry, the club's chairwoman for donations. "We had to improvise and tie it into the next holiday."

The events are the club's biggest fundraiser, said Perry. Proceeds go toward the school's art and music programs, educational assemblies, part-time school counselor, teachers aides, library support, technology and playground equipment, she said.

"It funds all those extras parents want their kids to have but the state doesn't provide (funding) for," she said. "In a budget crisis, we're having to be creative to keep our kids challenged."

Despite projections of a downpour, the events are being held "rain or shine," said Cat Okamura, club treasurer. Carnival games will be moved into classrooms if necessary, she said.

The school cafeteria has been transformed into a snow-sprinkled, mazelike haunted house. For $3 a person, those who dare to enter will wander through a dungeon, forest, hospital, graveyard and movie theater, while fifth-graders and their parents dole out frights.

"It's a fifth-grade rite of passage," Okamura said.

Also open both days is a "Fear Factor" booth, in which brave souls spin an industrial-size wheel and accept their challenge, whether it's eating a roasted, flavored cricket or sticking their hand in (fake) vomit.

Those who still are hungry can opt for a chocolate chip cricket cookie or more traditional treats such as pizza, chili and Mexican food.

On Saturday, fun-seekers will have the opportunity to participate in more than 30 activities, including a cake walk, plant walk and inflatable obstacle course.

A toy walk and pie-throwing contest are new this year, as well as "aches and breaks," which transforms kids into accident victims with fake bandages, scars and splints.

Jack Skellington and Sally (characters from the "Nightmare Before Christmas" movie), and Santa are available for pictures. Prices for activities range from 50 cents to $2.

"There's something for everyone to do," said Okamura.

For $1 a ticket, attendees can enter a raffle with more than 100 prizes, including a signed Tony Hawk Birdhouse deck, Callaway golf clubs, Legoland tickets or one of 30 classroom-donated "themed" baskets.

The carnival also includes vendors hawking gifts and live entertainment from local martial arts, dance and jump rope groups. Two Marines in unform will be collecting for Toys for Tots.

Contact staff writer Noelle Ibrahim at (760) 740-3517 or nibrahim@nctimes.com.