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:
Chuck Hafner’s Fall Festival
10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily through Oct. 30 at Chuck Hafner’s, 7265 Buckley Road, North Syracuse
Chuck Hafner’s eighth annual Fall Festival keeps the fun going all month with pony and wagon rides, food trucks, a straw maze and more. Many activities are free, but some Fall Festival attractions, such as the haunted house and zombie paintball, require the purchase of tickets. Visit chuckhafner.com/fall-festival for more information.
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.
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.
Mummy and Son Monster Bash
5 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 22, at Driver’s Village, 5885 E. Circle Drive, Cicero
The North Area Volunteer Ambulance Corps is hosting its annual mother-son Halloween dinner/dance. Come dressed in your freaky finest; costumes are encouraged, but NAVAC asks guests to leave their scary masks at home to avoid frightening the littlest spooks. Admission is $60 per mother-son pair until Oct. 17, when it goes up to $69 per pair. Visit facebook.com/NAVACMonsterBash for more information.
North Syracuse Halloween Bash
6 to 8:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 28, at Saint Rose of Lima Church, 409 S. Main St., North Syracuse
North Syracusans up to age 12 are invited to the village’s annual Halloween party, which will feature a magic show, costume parade, crafts, games, prizes and more. Pre-register through the parks office by calling 458-8050.
BCA Halloween Party
1 to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 29, at the Bayberry Shopping Plaza
The Bayberry Community Association’s annual Halloween party (formerly the Halloween Parade) will feature trick-or-treating for the little ones, followed by refreshments for Bayberry neighbors of all ages. To learn more or to volunteer to help, contact event chairperson Debbie Countryman via email at [email protected] or by phone at 652-5309. There will also be a drawing contest for kids up to age 18. Bring your 8.5-by-11-inch drawings to the Halloween party and include the following information on the back: child’s first name and age, parent/guardian’s name, street address and phone or email. Email [email protected] for more information.
