Halloween happenings looking to scare

Saturday, October 10, 2009

It's the scariest time of year -- Halloween.

For those not afraid or like to be scared, check out some of the following Halloween happenings:

* Haunted historic cemetery tour and downtown walk -- History buffs prepare and haunt seekers beware, the Heritage Preservation Society is sponsoring two weekends of haunted history cemetery tours and a Halloween midnight haunted tour of downtown Greencastle.

On Oct. 16 and 17 and Oct. 30 and 31, tours of several Putnam County cemeteries will take place at 7 and 9 p.m. both Fridays and Saturdays.

The history of some of the earliest and more prominent Putnam County residents will be recalled and local haunted lore discussed during the approximately one and half-hour tours.

On the tour, patrons will discover who the earliest pioneers were in Putnam County and meet some of them in the city cemetery. Hear about the Pearl Bryan murder; the first hanging in the county; covered bridge ghosts and the unmarked graves at the county home. Plus, there will be plenty of cemetery history.

Following each tour, participants are invited to the Putnam County Museum to explore its "Haunts, Folklore and Urban Legends" exhibit. Refreshments will be served at the museum following both tours.

Brave souls wishing to take a tour must make a reservation and provide own transportation. The tour requires driving to numerous cemeteries including Boone Hutchison, located several miles outside of town.

Cost is $10 per person, $15 for couple and child or $20 for an entire family of four or more. The price includes visiting the museum and snacks.

For those looking to add a little more adventure to the frightful holiday, join the haunted Halloween walking tour in downtown Greencastle. Walkers will hear about John Dillinger's infamous heist, Civil war soldier William and the O'Hair house haunting, Governor Whitcomb's unusual book collection and the hanging tree located just off the campus of DePauw University.

The tour will begin in the public garden next to the Putnam County Visitors and Convention Bureau. It will end with refreshments back at the visitors center. Cost for this tour is $5 per person. It will begin promptly at midnight. The tour takes approximately one hour and reservations are required.

To make reservations for either of these haunted tours, call 653-5151 ext. 22.

* Lincoln Street Terrors -- This is no haunted house, but a haunted trail. The Cloverdale Music Boosters wants to frighten its patrons on a trail through the cornfield on Lincoln Street south of the Ice Box. Brave souls can tour from 8 to 11 p.m. tonight and Oct. 17,24 and 31.

But if there are small children involved, take them during "family friendly" tours from 5 to 7 p.m. There is an admission charge of $5 for ages 12 years and older; $3 for ages 3 to 11 years; and children under the age of 3 years can tour for free.

All proceeds will help Cloverdale High School band members purchase letter jackets.

* Haunted Trail -- The woods next to the Putnam County Jail will become haunted again this Halloween. The trail will be open to scare its patrons for $1 from 8 to 10 p.m. Oct. 23, 24, 30 and 31.

For children age 0 to 4 years and 5 to 12 years, there will be a costume contest at 5 p.m. Oct. 31. Prizes will be awarded for first and second place in each age group.

Candy will be given to everyone who takes the chance and enters the trail of fear.

This Halloween happening will benefit residents of Putnam County at Christmas time. All proceeds will purchase Christmas baskets for those in need during the holiday. Baskets are assembled and delivered by the Putnam County Sheriff's Department.

* Xplosion of Horror -- This frightening haunted house is located in Brazil, but promises to bring terror into your Halloween all the same

Michael Myers and more will be lurking in the shadows to scare the socks off anyone who dares to enter. There are no friendly ghosts here. Xplosion of Horror is not recommended for children under the age of 12.

Patrons will pay $7 each for a terrifying good time. This Halloween happening is open from 7 to 11 p.m. every Friday and Saturday beginning Oct. 9. It is located on the south side of US 40, one minute west of Brazil.

Money raised will help the Xplosion softball team make it through its season. Team members are students who attend Greencastle, Cloverdale, Cascade, Avon and Northview high schools.

For the less brave at heart, there will be a hay ride hosted by The Sharks, a softball team for children 10 years or younger. Riders pay $4, but children under the age of 3 can ride for free.

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