The leaves have fallen, the wind has turned colder, and homes are decked out in pumpkins and spider webs. With Halloween fast approaching, the community is ready for a fantastic celebration. From ghoulish decorations and haunted houses to pumpkin picking and apple cider, Halloween brings a celebration of the scary and macabre, the changing of the season, and a wide array of exciting events for adults and children alike. In Chautauqua County, there is a spook-tacular event for everyone!
Looking for a thrilling scare-fest? Chautauqua Mall will be playing host to the “Haunting at the Mall” October 30th and 31st, as well as November 1st from 7:30 pm to 10:30 pm. “The event is in its second year,” Scott Mekus, the event planner of Eventz by Scott, explains. “A portion of the proceeds go to the Chautauqua County Humane society – I’m passionate about that because it gives our furry friends a second chance.” With a theme of “Fear Revisited”, this haunt is a frightful event full of grisly scenes complete with over 20 rooms, mazes, and more that is sure to provide ample amounts of terror and enjoyment. Housed in a hidden floor above JC Penny that holds office spaces and a warehouse, the location provides eeriness on its own. “A lot of people don’t know about it – so that adds to the scare.” Mekus explains. Tickets can be purchased at the door. Enter if you dare!
Nightmare Hayrides are also a local Halloween tradition, petrifying the community for over 24 years. “We’ve got the hang of scaring people,” says owner John Kent. “Once they’re in, they’re scared, smiling, and laughing.” Guests experience a fearsome hayride, a haunted maze, a haunted barn, and the newest feature – a gothic chamber in this night of fright. “It’s pretty intense…everything they do is scary and haunted!” The hayrides run on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights from 7:30 pm to 9:30 pm, their last ride of the season is on November 2nd. Nightmare Hayrides is located at 6319 Summerville Street in Ellicottville, NY. For ticketing information and more, give them a call at 716-699-4839 or visit nightmarehayride.com. “If you haven’t had a good laugh and a good scream in a while, you don’t want to miss this,” John exclaims.
For those looking for a more theatrical approach to the holiday, Webb’s Captain’s Table Restaurant is proud to announce “Witches Brew” by John D. Attanasio , a special dinner theater event on October 29th, 2014 at 6 pm. “Our guests will sit down and eat dinner – after dinner, the show will begin.” Stephanie Bussman, of Webb’s Captain’s Table, explains. Featuring Enchante Cabaret, the show focuses on a bitter witch intent on making Halloween night eternal. The night is also child friendly, filled with over 20 musical numbers, beautiful costumes and more. Guests are also encouraged to stay for photos after the show with their favorite characters.
On Halloween night, the City of Jamestown has pulled out all the stops, providing an awesome night of fun for trick-or-treaters city wide. The Halloween Fun Fest is slated from 6 pm to 8 pm on October 31st, 2014 in the Allen Park Ice Arena. Highlights include: a haunted house, musical entertainment by We Speak Canadian, and a costume judging contest. This free event is sure to be a joy for adults and kids alike, providing a safe and welcoming environment for this spookiest of nights.
Whether looking for a screaming good time or dinner and a show, the area has plenty of the macabre and the magical to entertain the masses. Pick your poison, be it a scary haunted house or a fantastic night of music and fun – but don’t miss out on the fantastic spectacle of All Hallows Eve. Be thrilled, scared, and excited – visit one of these attractions and truly feel the spirit of Halloween.
Original article by the Jamestown Gazette.
