Temperatures are dropping, permanent clouds are forming in the sky, days are shorter and darker and that seemingly never-ending sense of gloom sets in. It’s the time of year where the mood is perfect for a few chills, thrills and scares.
Consider Kitsap County your own personal playground of terror this Halloween season, with a variety of events for children and adults of all ages to get their fill of hauntingly good times.
In Bremerton, Kitsap Haunted Fairgrounds — a local favorite — returns. This year’s theme is “Slaughter Estates,” a mansion like no other, nicknamed the “House that Blood Built.”
Each fall since 2003, the fairgrounds has been converted into 22,000 square feet of scares. Guests buy tickets and make their way through the mansion, but while waiting in line, they are entertained by students from The Dance Gallery School of Music and Dancing in Port Orchard.
Between 5 and 6 p.m., a more family-friendly version of the Slaughter Estates takes place for those who want to see the mansion without the scares.
“For that one, we have all the lights turned on,” said Vickie Josal, volunteer coordinator. “The actors are in their positions and waving, and the animatronics are turned on — it’s mainly for little kids, or perhaps adults who do not like to be scared.”
But once the clock strikes 6, it’s full scare.
And the fun does not end there. Across from Slaughter Estates, at Thunderbird Arena, guests get the chance to repel a zombie invasion. Paintball guns are mounted on railings in the stands and it’s your job to ensure the zombies don’t escape and run rampant through the fairgrounds.
“The zombies are down below in the bottom part of the stadium, and we have some props and sheds and trees,” Josal said. “The zombies go in and out and get shot at a lot. And, of course, they’re all outfitted in protective gear underneath the costumes.”
The Haunted Fairgrounds are open every Friday and Saturday in October. The “No Scare” adventure through the Slaughter Estates takes place between 5 and 6 p.m. and the “Full Scare” tour is from 6-11 p.m. “Full Scare” haunts will also take place on Oct. 26 and 31 from 6-10 p.m.
In Kingston, find out what happens in the garden after dark at Haunted Heronswood (aka Heronswood Garden). The event features spooky garden walks, carved and painted pumpkins on display, and a chance for kids to take part in carved and painted pumpkin contests.
Haunted Heronswood will be open Oct. 27-29 from 5-8 p.m. For more information and tickets, go to www.heronswood- garden.org/events.
And if you’re headed for Bainbridge Island, there is fun for the whole family awaiting at the Haunted Hayride at Battle Point Park. Ride through the pumpkin-lined trails, but keep a close eye on your surroundings as mummies, zombies, ghosts and even historical figures may be spotted if you look close enough.
Crafts and games are available, as are cider and cookies for after the ride. The Haunted Hayrides take place from Oct. 23-25.
Hayrides leave every 10 minutes starting at 6 p.m. each evening. Go to biparks.org/special-events for more information and to register for the ride.
— Mark Krulish is a reporter for Kitaap News Group. Contact him at mkrulish@soundpublishing.com
