Halloween may mean candy and trick-or-treating door to door for most of us, but in southern New Jersey it’s also about haunted houses, holiday fun fests and community happenings. And let’s not forget the parades.
Here’s a rundown of some area Halloween events this weekend.
Thursday Oct. 28
Ocean City Halloween Parade
6th St. at Asbury Ave., Ocean City. The parade runs from 6th to 11th sts. There will be bands, floats and an array of costumed participants competing for prizes. Parade grand marshal will be Riley Gunnels, longtime Ocean City resident and a member of the 1960 Philadelphia Eagles NFL Championship team. Free. 7:15pm. Cal 525-9300 or visit ocnj.us.
5th Annual Centennial Trunk or Treat
The event consists of adults bringing their Halloween-decorated vehicles to the Wildwood Crest Pier parking lot at Heather Road and Ocean Avenue, where they will distribute candy from the trunks of their vehicles to children outfitted for Halloween. The event includes other Halloween related activities, a DJ, refreshments and prizes awarded to the best decorated vehicles. Trunk or Treat is a free event, but vehicles must be pre-registered to take part. 6:30pm. Call 523-0202 for information.
Friday Oct. 29
Wildwoods Halloween Parade
The parade is scheduled to begin at 6:15pm. at Wildwood and Pacific Avenues, proceeding south and ending at the Wildwoods Convention Center. Followed by a free Halloween Fun Fair at the Wildwoods Convention Center, 4501 Boardwalk in Wildwood. Call 522-4546 or visit wildwoodsnj.com.
Saturday Oct. 30
Absecon Lighthouse - Ghost Stories & Climb
Absecon Lighthouse, 31 S. Rhode island Ave., Atlantic City. Visit the Absecon Lighthouse for the ìtrueî ghost stories that prompted a visit from SyFy’s Ghost Hunters. After watching the GH episode featuring the Absecon Lighthouse, you will be able to climb the tower to search for your own evidence. Reservations are requested by calling 449-1360. $5. 5-8pm. Visit abseconlighthouse.org.
Atlantic City Halloween Family Fun Fest
O’Donnell Park, O’Donnell Parkway, Atlantic City. Presented by the Atlantic City Special Improvement District. Features pony rides, treats, live music, horse and carriage rides, a carrousel, face painting and moon bouncers. Free. Noon-4pm. Call 344-8338 or visit acsid.com.
Ocean City Downtown Merchants Trick or Treat
Special trick or treat set from noon-3pm from 6th to 11th Sts. on Asbury Ave. at participating merchants. Visit www.ocnj.us
Hamilton Township Halloween Parade
The parade starts at Wheaton’s parking lot at Mill Street and Old Harding Highway, proceeds onto Main Street, turns onto Farragut Avenue and continues on to the Shaner School. Trophies will be awarded for the best costumes. Free. 6:15pm.
Saturday Oct. 30 to Oct. 31
Halloween at A.C. Aquarium
Atlantic City Aquarium, Gardner’s Basin, 800 N. New Hampshire Ave., Atlantic City. Children wearing a Halloween costume will get free admission and treats at the aquarium during Halloween weekend. A paid adult must accompany each costumed child to qualify for the Halloween special. The aquarium will offer its full slate of animal shows and interactions. $8 for adults, $6 for seniors. Call 348-2880 or visit acaquarium.com.
Ocean City Hayrides
Boardwalk at 6th and at 12th sts. Ocean City. There will be trick or treating by merchants displaying a pumpkin in front of their stores. Children can pick up free pumpkins at the Children’s Pavilion, 11th and Boardwalk. Free. Noon-4pm. Call 525-9300 or visit ocnj.us.
Formica Bros. Harvest Festival
Formica’s Northfield Cafe, 200 North Tilton Rd. Northfield. Sample a variety of new fall breads and biscotti’s in your favorite Halloween costume. There will be games for kids and adults, prize for the best Halloween Costume and a drawing for a $25 gift certificate and much more. Free. 1-3pm. Visit formicabrosbakery.com.
A.C. Boys and Girls Club - Zombie Mansion
Boys and Girls Club, Chelsea Unit, Atlantic City. Ghouls, goblins, zombies and the like will take over the Boys and Girls Club as part of Zombie Mansion, a club-wide haunted house that will open to the public at 5pm. Entrance is just $3. The spooktivities begin with the 2nd annual Community Block Party featuring a special rendition of Michael Jackson’s Thriller performed by members of the Club, a ìbest dressedî costume contest, music and bounce inflatables provided by DJTone, along with several wacky games and relays throughout the night. The event runs from 5-10 pm. Call 345-0781.
Sunday Oct. 31
Smithville Inn - Halloween Brunch
Smithville Inn Lobby, Rt. 9, Smithville. Halloween Costume Contest. All age groups are welcome to enter. Register your costume with the Hostess before enjoying brunch. Reservations are strongly suggested. Prices vary. Call 652-7777 or visit smithvilleinn.com.
Atlantic City Halloween Dinner Dance
Flying Cloud Cafe, Gardner’s Basin, 800 N. New Hampshire Ave., Atlantic City. Sponsored by the Atlantic City Republicans club. This year Michael Jackson will be making a guest appearance. Guests will enjoy a performance by the King of Pop presented by MJXpressions and their choice of stuffed tilapia, prime rib, or chicken, dancing to music from DJ ìDK,î and enjoy prizes and raffles. $50. 6-10pm. Call 517-0376.
Halloween Haunted House
Elks Lodge, 1st and New Jersey aves., North Wildwood. Trick-or-treaters can walk through a "Haunted House" and receive treats from 5-8pm. For additional information call 729-2170.
Performing arts
Thursday Oct. 28
Atlantic City Ballet - Dracula
Stockton Performing Arts Center, Richard Stockton College, Pomona. Dracula, an original work by Artistic Director Phyllis Papa, is a full ballet in three acts with a peculiar power of hypnotic fascination. It is based on Bram Stoker’s story of ages old yet forever new. $35 Orchestra, $20 Mezzanine. 7pm. Call 652-9000 or visit www.stockton.edu/pac.
Friday Oct. 29 to Oct. 30
Eagle Theatre - The Rocky Horror Picture Show
Eagle Theatre, 208 Vine St., Hammonton. The Eagle Theatre will present the eXposed Theatre Company for live performances of The Rocky Horror Picture Show. Showtimes are at 11:59pm. $20. Call 704-5012 or visit www.eagletheatre.com.
Ocean City Ghost Tours has been a popular attraction in the city for more than a decade, running walking tours of “haunted” and historical spots in Ocean City from spring to fall. But the tours really take off in popularity in the height of the summer season, and, as you might guess, in October. “The summer is very popular,” says Eileen Reeser, tour manager. “But when it gets close to Halloween, the crowds go way up again. The tours aren’t so much about the paranormal as they are about the folklore and history of the island. There are some great stories on the island.” Some notable haunted stops are City Hall and The Flanders Hotel. The ghost story...
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