By Ashley M. Casey
Staff Writer
Halloween is Monday, Oct. 31, but if one day just isn’t enough to contain your spooky spirit, check out our list of local haunted houses, hayrides and more:
Fright Nights at the Fair
7 p.m. to midnight Fridays and Saturdays, 7 to 11 p.m. Sundays through Oct. 30 at the New York State Fairgrounds, 581 State Fair Blvd., Syracuse
This spooky area favorite returns to the Fairgrounds with indoor haunted houses featuring the Haunted Mansion, Clown Prison and Hostel. New this year is the zombie paintball hunt. Fright Nights are open to all ages, but the recommended age is 9 and older. Admission is $10 for one haunted house and $25 for all three houses and zombie paintball hunt. Coupons, group discounts and more information are available at thefrightnights.com.
13th Hour Rising Haunted Hayride
7 to 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, Oct. 14-15, 21-22, 28-29, at 84 Merrit Road, Fulton
This haunted hayride, which won scarycuse.com’s Best Haunted Hayride in CNY award in 2015, features pyrotechnics, animatronics, custom sets and more. This hayride is recommended for those ages 13 and older. Admission is $15; first responders and military personnel receive a $2 discount with proper ID. Only cash is accepted. Gates open at 6:30 p.m. Visit 13thhourrising.com for more information.
The Trail of Terror
7 to 11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, Oct. 14-15, 21-22, 28-29, and 7 to 10 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 30, at 475 Clifford Road, Fulton
Now in its 27th season, the Trail of Terror is one of the longest-running Halloween attractions in the area. “Leave the safety of civilization behind and travel on foot into the depths of the cursed forest where evil rules,” the trail’s website beckons. The Trail of Terror also features a 5,000-square-foot haunted house. Once you survive the trail and the haunted house, enjoy a bonfire, refreshments and an outdoor movie. Admission is $12 for the outdoor trail, $12 for the haunted house or $20 for both; note that the Trail of Terror only accepts cash. To learn more, visit thetrailofterror.com.
Run of the Dead
4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 15, at Syracuse Kickball Park, 7192 Oswego Road, Liverpool
Help support the Wilderness Search and Rescue Team as you brave the undead horde! Runners will traverse a 5K obstacle course, evading hungry zombies who try to snatch your brain (flags attached to each runner’s belt). The kids’ fun run starts at 4 p.m. and adults will run in waves every 15 minutes starting at 4:30 p.m. Some waves are sold out, but you can sign up at syracuserunofthedead.com. Admission is $45 per runner; spectators can purchase tickets to watch for $10.
Enchanted Beaver Lake
6 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 27, through Sunday, Oct. 30, at Beaver Lake Nature Center, 8477 E. Mud Lake Road, Baldwinsville
While this event is completely sold out, those of you who were lucky enough to get parking passes early can still travel the trails featuring hundreds of jack-o’-lanterns and luminaria. This is a great opportunity for last-minute entries to The Messenger’s annual photo contest, which ends Oct. 31.
Trunk or Treat
3 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 29, at Community Wesleyan Church, 112 Downer St., Baldwinsville
CWC is hosting its annual parking lot trick-or-treating event, followed by games, doughnuts, cider and an awards ceremony for the best costumes at 4:30 p.m. in the sanctuary,
