‘Smilin’ Jack’ During COVID-19
During the month of October, there is a familiar face at the Phillips 66 Los Angeles Refinery located in Wilmington, California. A Jack-o’-lantern face spanning 80-feet long is painted on a 3.3 million gallon orange storage tank. Known as “Smilin’ Jack” a name recognized by those who live or work in the Harbor Area communities of San Pedro, Harbor City, Wilmington, Lomita and Carson. It has been declared, “the World’s Largest Jack-o’lantern” by Roadside America. This 68-year old Halloween decoration can be seen from Palos Verdes peninsula hilltop.
The refinery’s management has carried on the tradition since 1952, using the same design until this year when it was decided to paint a white medical mask over the black toothy smile as an acknowledgement of the current COVID-19 pandemic.
“It is not meant to be a political statement but a reflection of the times we live in.” said Juliana Moreno, the public affairs and community relations advisor. In this charged social climate, any contentious message post, article, comment, illustration or gesture can be interpreted as “politically offensive.” To those who visited for an up-close look at this recognizable symbol of Halloween, they appreciated this gesture of levity.
The refinery’s management arranged a drivethrough event on Oct. 30. Hundreds of vehicles lined up along Anaheim Boulevard until they were ushered in by local law enforcement and on-site security guards. Employees gave away caramel popcorn along with other souvenirs from a 6-foot distance using nets adhering to “pandemic protocol.” A total of 8,460 people attended, mostly families with children who were not able to do the traditional door to door “trick-or-treat” candy gathering this year for their health safety. Other restrictions included wearing face coverings at all times, visitors had to remain in their vehicles and the occupants had to be of the same household. The mood of the visitors as they drove passed “Smilin’ Jack” was predominately joyful. Visitors used their various devices from handheld cameras to mobile phones to record their experiences. According to Juliana Moreno, 2,100 cars with each containing 4 to 6 people on average visited.
The Jack-o’-lantern is only painted on the orange colored tank once a year for Halloween then removed in November.