Follow the Halloween Trail…if you dare

Halloween is Sunday, 10/31

By Beth David, Editor

Welcome to our 16th annual Halloween Trail. 

Most are drive/walk by or wander around this year. Manny, though, at Ole Oxford Haunt (#2) is still sending you  through the gauntlet of horror, twisting around his yard, with who-knows-what jumping out to scare the bejeebers out of you. Don’t be surprised, though, if a few others do the same…unannounced.

COVID precautions are not the same as last year. Here in Massachusetts most of us are vaccinated, so the precautions are lightened up a bit. We do have our share of anti-vaxxers, though. So, don’t be shy about wearing a protective mask under your scary mask. And don’t forget the hand sanitizer.

Acushnet is having its annual parade and the NFIA is having its Horribles Parade (yeah, they don’t call it that anymore, but I do). Both were canceled last year due to COVID, so it’s nice to see those back. See “Off the Trail but still worth the trip” on page 9.

Please be respectful when you visit and are wandering around the yards. These are people’s private yards. Don’t touch, try not to get too scared. Feel free to scream. 

Many of those on the trail are ready for this weekend, but will have even more stuff out next weekend for the big night. Check out each listing to find out who is ready for you. I, for instance, will not even commit to being one day early. But I will try like crazy to have a respectable entrance to the cauldron for the big night.

No doubt there are other haunted houses that will welcome you on Halloween, but we generally only include the ones we know for sure want to be included on the trail. If you see decorations, it’s a good bet they have candy and will welcome you and your little ones so they can scare the be­jeebers out of you. So, don’t be shy. If you see a lot of decora­tions, you know they that at the very least they want you to stop and gawk, so feel free to do so.

As always, we tried to make this a logical geographical trail. We begin in North Fairhaven and move south from there, but, of course, this is America, land of the free and home of the car lovers, so feel free to visit any which way you want to. Just…get there! Thanks to all who sent in yards and helped out with pictures.

Enjoy your tour of the real Halloween­town….. yahahahahahaha.

Oh…and Halloween is on a Sunday this year, but before Daylight Saving Time, which is the following weekend.

Also, be sure to visit Haunted Fairhaven’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/hauntedfhvn.

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1: 70 Oliver Street Back for the seventh year and ready this weekend for your view­ing pleasure (“pleasure” being a relative term, of course). They are up and ready now, so feel free to go by anytime to look, but especially be prepared to be scared on Friday and Satur­day this weekend and next (10/23, 24, 20, 31) from around 5:30–9. The yard is lit nightly, but the scary live actors will be there on the four nights only (hmmm…if you can trust them).

They will are selling merchandise and baked goods to raise money for Boston Children’s Hospital. Find “Yard of Terror/Haunts for Hope” on Facebook for links to donate. Submitted photos

 

 

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2: 60 Oxford Street Ole Oxford Haunt, our own Manny Souza and family are at it again (still?). They will have the whole gauntlet (literally). Walk through at your peril, and be prepared for the screaming ghouls and noise implements of destruction. Or, if you prefer, just check it out from the street. We assure you: Lots of people do!

Starting this Friday, 10/22, and right through to 10/30, they will be open for from 6–9 p.m. On the Big Night, 10/31, They will be open from 5 until ??? Sub­mit­ted photos.

 

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Head to the center of town, where we KNOW there are other places that are spooky. It’s a veritable Little Salem out there on Halloween night, with all kinds of  ghouls and goblins running around. Be sure to go by on the Big Night to see special things that are only put out on that one night. They are decorated already, but be sure to go at night because the lights are spine tingling. 

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3: 6 William Street, NEW THIS YEAR, and your first stop in the center. This ominous looking house is lit up with a different color depending on the night. And you’ll have to gather up your courage and keep an eye on that giant spider guarding the doorway to get to the candy on Halloween night. House is lit up nightly and is deco­rated. Candy on Halloween only.

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4: 127 Laurel Street. You’re now getting to the heart of center and the heart of the real Halloween­town. 

Lights are on starting at 6 p.m. 

Get bolder on Halloween if you dare

Submitted photo.

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5: 88 Chestnut Street Here’s the message from our next stop in the center: “Everyone come to my house… we’ll have the goods!”

We’re not sure exactly what they mean by that, but it’s okay, you’re brave, right? Go forth and find out. They are lit up now. 

BRRR…look at that picture! You’d better stay on the path or you’re a goner! 

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6: 66 Pleasant Street Oh no, look at all those 6’s!

These guys have decorations (you like dragons, right?), and they have assured us that there are many others on Pleasant Street already. So take your time, ride up and down all  these streets in the center of town. 

Lights are already on at dusk every night. Extra scary on Halloween night.  Submitted photo.

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7: Green Street. Oh, and don’t forget Green Street, too. That corner by the UU church is bound to be populated by creatures you’ve never encountered before.

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Now pop up Washington Street and head to Sconticut Neck Road to go to West Island. We have it on great authority that there are more than a few yards on the way that will also welcome you, so pay attention.

 

 

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8: 166 Dog­wood St. After the cause­way, hang a left onto Dog­wood to my place at 166 on the left. Hopefully, I’ll be up and running for the Big Night, but not before, I’m afraid. We can promise dead things, creepy noises, and a caul­dron full of boiling witch’s brew. Beth David photo.

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9: 19 Weeden Road After you leave West Island, head east on Route 6 until you find Weeden Road. Take a right and find 19. We only have room for this one picture of the place, but…ooooh….if only you could see the others. It’s pretty creepy. Flashing lights and moving images…spoooooky They’ll have treats for the tricksters, I’m told…if you dare! Submitted photo.

Acushnet

Now we’re heading to Acushnet for two stops, but we KNOW there are more. Keep your eyes open. Head along Middle Road to Ludlow Street on the left, just a block after the new police station

 

 

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10: 22 Ludlow Street This is a wander around as you like yard, and inside the tent (if you dare). And, oh, yeah…there’s lots of stuff to discover Open on the weekends only. They take it all in during the week, so plan your visit. Submitted photo.

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11: 11 Mon­mouth Avenue. Head back to Middle Road and then to Monmouth, just a few blocks from Ludlow. The Baldwins are at it again and scarier than ever.  Submitted photo.

 

New Bedford

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12: 35 Lincoln Street. We don’t have any pictures of this one, but they called and said…c’mon down! Word is, it’s cute, so it’s safe for the young’uns. From the road/sidewalk only 

 

Dartmouth

14: 10 Stonewall Manor. NEW THIS YEAR. Oh…the name alone “Stonewall Manor” makes me shiver! Fully operational now and lit up every night (weather permitting) until midnight, through Halloween. Submitted photo.

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Off the Trail, but worth the trip

Fairhaven TV Virtual; Halloween Party

Fairhaven TV’s 4th annual Virtual Haunted Halloween Party. Free online event. Fri., 10/22, 6 p.m. Featuring live entertainment, trivia, games, costume contest, spooky stories, and more. All ages welcome. Free virtual event. Visit FairhavenTV.com/hauntedhalloweenparty

 

NFIA Halloween Horribles Parade

Sun., 10/24, 2021, 5 p.m. Parade starts at Benoit Square, intersection of Adams Street & Howland Road

Sponsored by the North Fairhaven Improvement Association, this Halloween costume parade has been held every year since 1950. Children and adults in costume walk from Benoit Square north on Main Street to St. Mary’s Church.

In the parking lot behind the church, costumes are judged. Prizes for Most Horrible, Most Original, Most Beautiful. First, 2nd, 3rd place in each age group: toddler to 4 years, 5–8 years, 9–12  years, 13–16 years, adults. FREE treat bags and hot chocolate. FREE and open to public.

For more information email, visit http://northfairhavenimprovementassoc.weebly.com/ or email northfairhavenimprovement267@gmail.com

 

All Treats, No tricks

All Treats, No Tricks! A free Halloween event in downtown New Bedford, Sat., 10/23, 2–5 p.m. Calling all kids! Put on your costume, grab an adult and head to downtown New Bedford for some all treats, no tricks trick-or-treating fun. (Rain date 10/30). Visit https://downtownnb.org/treats/ for details.

 

Millicent Scary Stories

Special Halloween Storytime – Goblins and Giggles, Sat., 10/30, at 10 a.m. on the Library Lawn, 45 Center St., Fairhaven.

A FREE spooky, silly family storytime at the Millicent Library! Join master storyteller, Rona as she tells tales of monsters, ghouls and more that will delight littles of all ages. Visitors are encouraged to come in costume! Suitable for young children, all ages fun for families! 

To attend, register on our website: millicentlibrary.org/events. Storytime will be canceled in the event of rain.   

 

Acushnet Halloween Parade

HALLOWEEN PARADE RETURNS!

Join us on Sunday, October 31st beginning at 6pm for the return of the annual Halloween Parade (canceled last year). Please meet in front of the fire station on Russell Street in Acushnet at Parting Ways.

The route: Russell St to John St, to Garfield St., to James St., to Wind Rd., to John St. back to Russell Street.

To keep everyone safe, the Fire Department will be distributing candy bags and apples outside the fire station. To keep our staff safe the station will be closed to the public.

 

Boo at Zoo (not free)

Now in its 20th year – Boo at the Zoo will satisfy all your fall, Halloween and cool weather cravings. With campus wide daytime trick-or-treating, there are five more chances to enjoy Boo at the Zoo this year. Want to show off your little ghosts and goblins? Baby Boo is for you! Baby Boo is geared towards children 5 and under, but any age is welcome!

Our slightly spooky theme will include mazes, plenty of trick-or-treat stations, free carousel rides, endless photo opportunities including a photo costume contest, Halloween themed animal enrichment, and up-close meet and greets with the Zoo’s Animal Ambassadors. Don’t forget to stop into the Café to enjoy festive, fall favorites – who can resist kettle corn and apple cider!

Families are encouraged to bring their own “trick or treat” bags. All proceeds from Boo at the Zoo support the Zoo’s education and family programs. 

The Zoo will be open exclusively for Boo at the Zoo all day on October 23, 24, 30 and 31. As well as October 29 until 2:00pm. Special admission rates apply. Visit https://www.bpzoo.org/whats-new/boo-at-the-zoo/

BPZOO Member: $12 Adult, $8 Child; Non-member: $17 Adult, $13 Child; Under 2 is free. By purchasing your event ticket, you agree to: Abide by social distancing rules and do your best to give space between families. Wear a face mask whenever indoors – this means masks are required upon entry into the Zoo, to use the restrooms, indoor café and the Rainforest building.

We strongly encourage purchasing your tickets online in advance. Entry is limited each hour and we cannot guarantee that tickets will be available at the door.

Boo at the Zoo is proudly spon­sored by Bristol County Savings Bank. 

Happy Hauntings

Saturday, October 30th, from 12-4PM, Happy Hauntings at the Mattapoisett Museum, 5 Church St. Join us for spooky stories, a scavenger hunt, tarot card readings, and crafts. Registration is strongly suggested for this event at www.mattapoisett museum.org.

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Click here to download the entire 10/21/21 issue: 10-21-21 HalloweenTrail

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