THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, October 21, 1994 TAG: 9410190175
SECTION: CHESAPEAKE CLIPPER PAGE: 16 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY ERIC FEBER, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: Long : 147 lines
HALLOWEEN IS ALMOST upon us, and there's plenty to do in Chesapeake to make sure little ghosties and goblins have a wonderful and safe time.
GHOST TRAIN - All aboard for the Northwest River Park Ghost Train, one of Chesapeake's favorite Halloween holiday traditions. Each year the train takes families through the spooky wooded areas of the park on Indian Creek Road for a frightful trip into horror.
According to Scott Hasty, one of the volunteer organizers, the train's journey will take folks through ``horrific scenes'' tied to a main theme all illuminated and embellished by actors, lighting and other special effects.
The dates for the Ghost Train are Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights and next weekend, Oct. 27-29. Trains leave the station every half-hour between 7 and 10 p.m. Each train can handle up to 45 people.
While you're waiting for your seat on the train, walk over to the House of Real Horrors, an exhibition put on by Chesapeake Pride, the volunteer troupe of Chesapeake high school singers, dancers and actors who promote drug-free lifestyles in their performances.
The house will feature a real slice of horror as the Pride performers show in graphic detail how a life can be ruined by drugs.
Tickets for both the train and House of Real Horrors are $3 and can be purchased at the Northwest River Park, 1733 Indian Creek Road. More information is available by calling 421-7151.
Proceeds from the train will be used to benefit the park.
HAUNTED FOREST - Another Chesapeake Halloween tradition is the Chesapeake Jaycees' annual Haunted Forest, now in its 21st year.
This year's walk through the forest of fright is bigger and better than ever, said Jennifer Graham, state director of the Chesapeake Jaycees.
She said volunteers from Old Dominion University, area high schools and the ranks of the Chesapeake Jaycees will enliven a forest full of horror characters and special effects.
In addition, concessions and official Horror Forest T-shirts will be on sale.
The forest is located at Crossways Boulevard and Eden Way North, behind Montgomery Ward on Greenbrier Parkway. Just look for the big graffiti-painted tractor trailer.
Tours, which last about 20 to 30 minutes, take place beginning at 7:30 p.m. each evening from Friday through Oct. 31.
Tickets are $4 for adults and $3 for children 5-12. Children under 4 are admitted free. A family of four can get in at a special rate of $10.
Graham said proceeds from the forest will be used to benefit the Jaycees' community projects, including sending mentally and physically disabled persons to Camp Virginia Jaycee during the summer and helping build wheelchair ramps, among other projects.
More information is available by calling 548-8936.
HOUSE OF HORRORS - After riding the Ghost Train and walking through the Haunted Forest, there's still the Halloween House of Horrors, presented by the Deep Creek Cheerleading and Football Association.
The good folks from the association will turn the Deep Creek Ruritans' Log Cabin, directly behind the Deep Creek Fire Station on George Washington Highway, into a cabin of creeps, a bungalow of bedlam.
The house will feature eight ``terror-filled rooms so ghastly and shocking you'll have nightmares for weeks.'' The house will include a Gallery of Fear, full of corpses, monsters and night creatures. Ads for the attraction claim the house is ``not for the squeamish or weak of heart.''
Fright fans can take in the House of Horrors every evening from 7 to 10 p.m., Friday through Oct. 31.
Admission at the door is $4 for adults and $3 for children. Discounted group passes are available. Proceeds will be used to benefit Deep Creek recreational cheerleading and football.
Call the Horror Hotline at 487-9544 for more information.
HALLOWEEN FUN AT THE LIBRARY - Several Chesapeake Public Library branches have planned several Halloween activities for youngsters, including parties and classes on carving jack-o'-lanterns.
This Saturday, there will be a session at the Central Library on pumpkin carving, taught by Dennis Roberts of the Old World Florist.
The 2 p.m. activity is free and open to all, but children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.
Then on Oct. 31, the Children's Department will screen at 3:30 p.m. three special children's films during its ``Happy Haunting Movies'' session.
The event will feature ``Haunted Halloween,'' ``The Ghost In the Shed'' and the classic ``Canterville Ghost.'' The films are for all ages and there is no registration. But get there early, seating is limited to 50.
More information is available by calling the library at 547-6591.
On Oct. 25 at 3:30 p.m., the Major Hillard Branch at 949 N. George Washington Highway, will hold a ``Halloween Happening'' for ages 6 and older.
All participants are asked to wear Halloween costumes for an afternoon of spooky stories, games and a special trick or treat.
Call the library at 485-1543 to register and for more information.
Here's something for you crafty adults. The Russell Memorial Branch at 2808 Taylor Road is offering a Halloween Craft Class from 6 to 8:45 p.m. Oct. 26.
Jackie Schaff, class coordinator at Michael's Arts & Crafts, will teach participants to make a special pumpkin sweatshirt and two Halloween decorations for the home.
Persons 18 and older are invited to sign up and get the list of needed materials by calling 465-0949.
The Greenbrier Library, 1214 Volvo Parkway, will hold a ``Pumpkin to Jack-O'-Lantern'' event for children, ages 6 and older, Oct. 27.
The 3:30 p.m. free event will show children how to turn that orange gourd into a smiling jack-o'-lantern, offering new techniques and fun facts.
Call the library at 436-4656 for more information.
Finally, little devils and witches can get a head start on Oct. 31 by attending the South Norfolk Memorial Library's ``Early Halloween Bat Party'' at 3:30 p.m.
The branch at 1100 Poindexter Street will offer scary stories, face painting and crafts for all ages. There is no registration. Call the library at 545-2436 for more information.
BAG GIVEAWAYS AND HALLOWEEN PARTIES - The Chesapeake Parks and Recreation Department will hold Halloween parties at all six Chesapeake community centers.
All the parties are free for ages 11 and younger. Each celebration will feature costume contests, games, activities, refreshments, special spooky events and treats. Parents are required to accompany younger children.
Here is a list of the citywide parties:
Oct. 28, 3-5 p.m., Great Bridge Community Center, 547-6292.
Oct. 28, 6-8 p.m., Indian River Community Center, 424-4238.
Oct. 28, 6:30-8 p.m., South Norfolk Community Center, 543-5721.
Oct. 29, 1-3 p.m., River Crest Community Center, 436-3100.
Oct. 31, 3-5 p.m., Deep Creek Community Center, 487-8841.
Oct. 31, 5-6:30 p.m., Western Branch Community Center, 465-0211.
Need a sack for all that sweet loot?
Drop by any of the above community centers during normal operating hours Oct. 28-31 and pick up a free Halloween bag. Please, only one bag per person and no large groups. This offer is only for ages 12 and younger.
INDOOR HALLOWEEN AND A FUNFEST - The La Petite Academy Preschool, 1025 Plantation Lakes Circle, will hold a Halloween Carnival Funfest from 7 to 9 p.m., Oct. 28, open to all children of the community.
The event will include games, prizes, refreshments and a costume contest.
There will be a small entry fee that will be donated to the Children's Hospital of The King's Daughters.
More information is available by calling 479-4812.
If you'd rather have your little ones trick or treat indoors where it's safe, warm and offers shelter from any inclement weather, take them to Chesapeake Square Mall, 4200 Portsmouth Blvd., in Western Branch.
It all takes place Oct. 31 from 6 to 7 p.m. with a costume contest at 7 p.m.
Special bags to collect goodies will be available at the Information Center and your kids will be able to trick-or-treat at the mall's many stores.
More information is available by calling 488-9636. by CNB