By Hayleigh Gowans

Staff Writer

On Saturday, Oct. 29, ghouls, goblins and ghosts will flock to Green Lakes State Park for the fifth annual Wicked Woods event, which includes trick-or-treating, games, crafts and many other activities to get into the Halloween Spirit.

The free event is open to the public, with a suggested donation of one non-perishable food item per car entering the park to donate to a local food bank.

Activities at the event run from 4 to 8 p.m. and are for the whole family. A Trick or Treat Trail runs from 4 to 6 p.m. with local organizations and businesses handing out candy to those in costume along the beach. A Halloween Headquarters will be open from 4 to 6:30 p.m. at the Old Administration building where crafts, a photo booth and bounce houses will be available. Out of the Cage will be present for animal presentations, and mini-golf will be held on the beach.

For the older children (suggested age 10 and up), a Haunted Trail at Tulip Hill will run from 6:45 to 7:45 p.m. that is sure to spook all who go through it. This year’s theme is “Mad Scientist,” and volunteers from SUNY ESF and local high school will dress in character to give everyone a good scare.

At 6:30 p.m., a large bonfire will be lit on the beach for all to enjoy. The concession stand near the beach will be open for the duration of the event for food purchase.

Wicked Woods is co-sponsored by the Village of Fayetteville Recreation, Town of Manlius Recreation, Village of Manlius Parks and recreation, the Village of Minoa and the Office of New York State Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation.

Last year, it was estimated about 6,000 people attended the Wicked Woods event. “I think the location at Green Lakes is a big part of it,” said Town of Manlius Recreation Director Peggy Kenyon. “It’s a beautiful place in the fall, it’s free and open to everyone and it’s a nice way to spend an evening with family.”

For more information, search “Wicked Woods at Green Lakes” on Facebook.