Return to story

FIND SPIRITED FUN THIS SEASON >> FESTIVITIES ABOUND ON HALLOWEEN

October 23, 2008 12:16 am

By COLLETTE CAPRARA

FOR THE FREE LANCE-STAR

It's Halloween season, and lions and tigers and creepy crawlers will be roaming the neighborhood.

But in one special neighborhood, those won't be costumed characters--but the real thing! That would be the National Zoo in Washington, which invites all to celebrate its 10th annual Boo at the Zoo festivities this weekend.

"It's really a fun and unique way to celebrate Halloween in a safe, educational environment," said Jackie Vinick, the zoo's corporate relations manager. "It's an opportunity to see the zoo's animals at night and have fun trick-or-treating."

Visitors, who typically come in costume, will receive snacks, toys and activity booklets at 40 stations throughout the grounds. They'll also be treated to demonstrations and hands-on activities at various animal habitats.

And they'll have an opportunity to witness amazing animal antics, such the elephants' pumpkin stomp and the "great cats" playtime with huge boomer balls.

Weeks of effort and ingenuity have been invested in decorating the zoo for the event, including special lighting effects and a Haunted Barn at the Kids' Farm exhibit.

Throughout the four days of festivities, it's anticipated that nearly 25,000 people will visit the zoo. (Last year, 800,000 treats were handed out.) Reserve tickets right away--Saturday's events are already sold out.

Halloween celebrations closer to home include longstanding traditions, as well as new offerings.

Now through Nov. 2, Bel-vedere Plantation, for its 25th year, is celebrating its Fall Harvest Festival. Activities will include such favorites as the challenging maize maze, zip-lines, the Fun-Barn (with plenty of swinging ropes over piles of hay), and the pumpkin mountain slide (which takes riders on a 100-foot, below-the-ground ride).

Special attractions will also include roaring bonfires and Clydesdale wagon rides.

On Saturday, Hazelwild Farm will also be celebrating a Fall Festival. Activities will include face paintings, pumpkin and cookie decorating, as well as a hay maze and haunted house.

Special features will include a train ride and pony ride. All activities are included with the price of admission.

This weekend, on Friday and Saturday, the Spotsylvania Family Branch of the YMCA will celebrate its annual Creepy Crawly Carnival, 7-9 p.m. There will be plenty of food, games, prizes and special attractions including a haunted house and haunted hayride.

Guests are encouraged to come in costume.

Stafford County's Department of Parks and Recreation will be offering Halloween celebrations for a variety of ages. On Oct. 24, it will host a Halloween Spookover--a fun-packed sleep-over for children ages 5-12 at its gymnastic center.

The program will include a night of fun, games, gymnastics, movies, pizza and popcorn--and even Saturday morning breakfast. Participants should bring a sleeping bag and can register any time before the event.

On Oct. 29, a Halloween costume party will be held at the gymnastic center for children ages 3-5, and will include gymnastics, refreshments and prizes.

On October 31, a Halloween Spooktakular preschool party will be hosted for children ages 2-5. Activities will include crafts, games, storytelling and snacks, and guests are encouraged to come in costume.

The City of Fredericksburg will also be shining a Halloween spotlight on its Finally Friday celebration, Oct. 31, 6-9:30 p.m. at the Sophia Street Lot at George Street.

Tykes can continue their celebration even after their trick-or-treating is done, with carnival-themed games and crafts, face painting and a moon bounce. Treats for parents will include entertainment by Abbey Road, the ultimate Beatles party band.

This Saturday, Ladysmith Village will host its second annual Pumpkin Festival as a fundraiser for the Life Is Good Foundation, which supports nonprofit organizations serving children in need.

The festival will run 1-8 p.m. and will include food, face painting, a petting zoo and lots of games for kids and adults.

Entertainment will be provided by the Milford Station Blue Grass Band and the Runnin' Hot oldies rock band.

A high point of the celebration will be the display of donated pumpkins carved by festival participants. At dusk, 1,000 pumpkin creations positioned on tiers of scaffolding will be lit, illuminating the evening.

"There's something very rewarding about being a part of that and seeing your pumpkin within that display," said Michell Partridge, spokesperson for Ladysmith Village Newland Communities, which is hosting the event.

"Just make sure you strategically place your pumpkin so you can remember where you put it."

For a $2 donation, pumpkin carvers can take their creations home.

Collette Caprara is a local artist and freelance writer.