Photo: http://www.mcpikemansion.com/
By Max Hoven
Staff Writer
October is like a mixture of a little black, and a little orange. Spiders crawl on pumpkins, prison inmates escape into the shadows, and small baby humans attempt to eat pieces of black and orange construction paper hanging on the walls of their schools. From the beautiful weather to Nazi zombies, ghosts, and goon goblins, October has a lot of greatness to offer. Our local area uses October to express our history and exploit our haunted land. Here are some local family friendly Fall and Halloween events happening from the middle to the end of October.
Vintage Voices at Dusk
Friday, Oct. 14, 2011
5:15 p.m.
Price: $10 per person
Alton City Cemetery
5th & Vine Sts.
Alton, IL 62002
This year is the 10th anniversary of Vintage Voices. The event celebrates “Visionaries & Pioneers at the River’s Edge.” Learn Alton history as actors from the Alton Little Theater bring life to Alton’s famous past characters. Tour the cemetery from dusk ‘til dark. For more information, call (618) 462-3205 or go to www.AltonLittleTheater.org.
Field of Screams: A Hollywood Haunting at Haskell House
Fri. – Sun., Oct. 14 – 31, 2011
7 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Price: $15 for adults; $10 for children (ages 10 and under)
Location: 1211 Henry St.
Alton, IL 62002
If you have young kids, family, or friends then they’ll love the haunted house extravaganza known as Field of Screams: A Hollywood Haunting at Haskell House. All proceeds will benefit the American Legion Post 126 Baseball and Friends of Haskell Park. Open Friday, Saturday and Sunday only from October 15 – 31, 2010. For more information, go to www.facebook.com/fieldofscreamshauntedhouse.
McPike Mansion Late Night Tours
October 15 and 28, 2011
8 p.m. & 10 p.m.
October 30, 2011
9 p.m.
Price: $20 per adult; $10 per child (ages 13-17); $5 per child (ages 6-12)
2038 Alby St.
Alton, IL 62002
Want to learn the haunted history of the McPike Mansion? Then join a tour and look at documented photos of the mansion and its paranormal activity. Then, take a tour of the surrounding grounds and the crypt. You’ll experience (hopefully) talking with the spirits, using Dowsing rods, and a dark session in the cellar with an experienced medium. The tour lasts approximately 90 minutes. All proceeds go toward the restoration of the mansion and that’s a good thing because the mansion is falling apart like a chocolate castle in the sun. For more information, contact Sharon at (618) 462-3348.
Hike at Pere Marquette
Saturday, Oct. 15, 2011
8:30 a.m.
Price: Free
Pere Marquette State Park
13112 Visitor Center Ln.
Grafton, IL 62037
Want to go on an epic fall adventure? Take a 6-mile hike with an interpreter from Pere Marquette State Park as your guide. Explore trails, stop a scenic overlooks, and feel pure nature in the heart of our local awesomeness. Be sure to wear good hiking shoes and bring snacks, a camera and binoculars. For more adventure, grab a compass and spend some time off trail. Call (618) 786-3323 for more information.
Grafton Rendezvous
Saturday & Sunday, Oct. 15 & 16, 2011
10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Price: Free
Riverfront
Grafton, IL 62037
The Grafton Rendezvous on the banks of the Illinois River goes hard. Join pre-1840 history and experience demonstrations of archery, tomahawk, and knife throwing. The event includes traders in period dress selling items of the period such as jewelry, clothing, and weapons. Also for family entertainment watch for the candy cannon in which (can you guess?) candy is fired from a cannon. For more information, call (618) 372-8672 or go to www.mysticbuffalo.com.
Walk in the Dark Haunted Tour
October 16, 21, 22, 23, 29, 30 & 31, 2011
Dinner Tour & Overnight: 7 p.m.
Walking Tour Only: 7:30 p.m.
Price: $30 for walking tour; $50 for dinner tour; $100 for a haunted overnight.
Mineral Springs Haunted Tours
301 E. Broadway St.
Alton, IL 62002
Begin your walking tour of Alton’s haunted buildings and areas starting at the notorious Mineral Springs Mall. When (or if) you return, end with the exciting and exclusive tour of the Mineral Springs Hotel with the use of investigative equipment, attend a séance, and end with a tarot card reading. If you tour on the 31st wear your Halloween Costume. Wooooh! To make reservations, call (618) 465-3200 or go to www.MineralSpringsHauntedTours.com.
Halloween Parade
Monday, October 31, 2011
7:30 pm
Price: Free
Broadway St.
Alton, IL 62002
Last but not least is the Alton Halloween Parade. It begins at Washington Avenue and Broadway St. You’ll get to see Alton’s scariest costumes and comical characters marching through the “Most Haunted Small Town in America.” This year the parade is featuring over 80 participants including floats, bands and parade flair. Grab some hot cocoa and bring your friends, family, kids, pet gerbils, etc. (Note: Free candy!!!!)
For more information call 618-462-7527.
