With each Halloween season begins the search for a great costume and a good scare. This year, Abilene offers many different ways to celebrate, both fun and frightful. Students have several options when searching for Halloween activities on campus and around town.
Frater Sodalis will conduct the club’s 25th annual haunted house at Play Faire Park Oct. 28-31. The fundraising event is open to the public for $8 a ticket. On the first two nights, college students will receive 25 percent off, and on Halloween night all youth groups will receive a 25 percent discount.
Brandon Fry, junior accounting major from Ballinger and Frater Sodalis President, said the event will be fun for students, as well as the community.
“We look forward to putting it on every year,” Fry said, “A lot of work has been put into making sure
the Haunted House is an enjoyable experience and a success.”
If the Frats can’t give you the scare you desire, head on over to the Abilene Preservation League for a haunted trolley tour of Abilene’s most famous ghosts.
“One stop is the site of the Alexander Sanitorium, Abilene’s first hospital,” said Bill Minter, executive director of the Preservation League. “As the trolley conductor explains the history, there will be characters dressed as escaped patients.”
The trip ends at the famous Swenson House for a guided tour.
“The mansion will be decorated. There’s a funeral, dinner with Dracula, a laboratory and more,” Minter said.
Tickets are $20 for the trolley ride and mansion tour, $15 for the trolley only and $10 for mansion only. The League will give tours on Oct. 22 and 23 from 7 to 10 p.m. Trolleys will start tours every 30 minutes.
Buffalo Gap Historic Village is also getting into the Halloween spirit. On Oct. 16, ghost tours will be given at dusk. Spooky stories based on the village’s history will accompany the tour. Admission is $10 at the door.
After a good scare, it’s time to put on a clever costume and go have some fun. Although college students might consider themselves too old for door-to-door trick-or-treating, there are alternatives all over town.
PrimeTime Abilene is known for its go-karts, bowling, batting cages, miniature golf and arcade. On Halloween, Prime Time will have its normal “Sunday Slam” specials and more.
Christine Brockman, Prime Time event coordinator said, “We will have treats for everybody. Come out in costume and have some fun.”
For $9.95, customers can choose from unlimited bowling and miniature golf, unlimited video games or a $20 card that can be used in any combination of activities, including cosmic bowling. The specials start at 5 p.m. and run until 11 p.m.
The Abilene Zoo is also preparing for its annual Halloween event, Boo at the Zoo. On Oct 23, different Abilene-based merchants will set up booths as trick-or-treating stops throughout the park. Everyone is invited to join in on the candy-collecting fun.
“Boo at the Zoo is for all ages, from newborn to 102,” said Sherry Thomson member of Abilene Zoo guest services.
Boo at the Zoo will also host a costume contest. Advance tickets are on sale for $2.50. Tickets will be sold for $3 at the gate, which will be open from 2 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Though there are many opportunities for fun around the Halloween holiday, Brockman also mentioned college night, which is every Friday night from 10 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. College Night specials include unlimited bowling, laser tag, bumper cars and video games for $12.
“There is unlimited everything. It’s lots of fun,” said Brockman. “Don’t forget the air hockey tournament, a poker tournament and a chance to win an iPad.”
Whether you’re looking for a frightening good time or a sugar rush, Abilene has something for everyone.
For more information on the Abilene Preservation League’s haunted tours, visit www.hauntedabilene.com. For more information on Buffalo Gap’s Historic Village, call 325-572-3365. For more information about Prime Time, visit www.primetimeabilene.com.
