Fright Night

Prepare to be scared…

Boo!

Frightening or funny? Simple or elaborate? Home-made or store-bought? Whatever your costume, and however you approach the season, Halloween is a popular time for characters of all ages—and businesses, civic organizations and communities across the region set to join in weeks of frightful fun!

Tame for Toddlers

In the waning days of October, the younger set will be welcomed along the business districts in Fitchburg, Leominster and Gardner, with treats at local shops for little ghouls and goblins. Gardner makes the daylight event festive with a Falloween Stroll, and Leominster will set is creepy scene with a Halloween parade through downtown streets on October 28.

And throughout the region, community libraries and popular family spots like Hollis Hills Farm in Fitchburg will be hosting a variety of events, from story hours to craft sessions, all with slightly spooky themes. Love animals? Dress the kids in their costumes and stop by In the Meadow Farm in Lunenburg on October 29 for an afternoon filled with games, prizes, family fun — and alpacas!

Or swing by Wachusett Mountain Ski Area on October 28 for its one-day BooFest. Enjoy a spookishly fun day, with festive contests, ghoulish treats and eccentric entertainment for the whole family!

Terrifying (or Not) Tours

While you’re enjoying some quality time with the family, hop in the car and take a tour of Halloween decorations, from tacky to terrifying, throughout Leominster. “Leominster Frights” runs a full two weeks, from October 16 to 31, with dozens of homes participating. Maps of the scary spots will be available online; check Leominster’s Facebook page for details.

Hubbardston residents, too, will be putting their best monster feet forward with fun and frightful displays throughout the town for October evening touring.

Or get out of the car, and into a more rustic vehicle, for a Haunted Hayride in Athol! In mid-October, the Athol Lions Club leads its long-popular event. Travel around Silver Lake Park, being treated to scary skits along the way! For the younger set, there are non-scary rides at dusk—and then the frightful fun begins for those with the nerve to take the tour!

Night Time is Fright Time

A highlight of any Leominster visit will be a tour of Tolman Street after dark. The kids will love the lighted, glowing, bobbing display of everything from jack o’lanterns to scarecrows and witches — along with Winnie the Pooh (and Tigger, too!). Get out of the car and stroll through the dozens of freaky and funny inflatables daily through the entire month. There will also be a pumpkin patch where children can pick a pumpkin to bring home and carve. See christmasontolman on Facebook for details about hours and any weather cautions.

Ooooohhhh…You can almost feel ghostly figures slip past you as you tour Templeton’s historic Common and centuries-old graveyard on October 27 and 28. Members of the Narragansett Historical Society will bring the past to life as they lead these evening tours, turning the spotlight — or, more appropriately, candlelight—on the lives of the town’s early settlers.

On Halloween night, the Templeton Common turns into a more modern-day frightfest, when the local Lions Club opens the Haunted Gazebo, handing out tricks and treats.

Afraid to face the unknown alone? Gather some friends and head to Winchendon on October 14 for Haunted Toy Town’s first-ever Fright Night event at the First Congregational Church in Old Centre—featuring a screening of “The Nun.” The creepy cinematic event in a historic church (built in 1850) will be followed by a ghost hunt at Winchendon’s two historic haunted properties, the Murdock Whitney Mansion and the Isaac Morse House. Tickets for the ghost hunt are limited; check the website winchendonhistory.com for details.

So… are you ready for some fearful fun? Come on down for a treat — and a trick!