Burlington, News

Area to host annual Halloween events

Fort Dakota issues a desperate plea while waiting for weekend visitors at Camp Oh-da-ko-ta's Haunted Hayride. (Photo by Jennifer Eisenbart)
Fort Dakota issues a desperate plea while waiting for weekend visitors at Camp Oh-da-ko-ta’s Haunted Hayride. (Photo by Jennifer Eisenbart)

By Jennifer Eisenbart

Editor

A pair of Halloween area events are ready to treat – or trick – locals starting Friday evening.

The second weekend of Camp Oh-Da-Ko-Ta’s Haunted Hayride will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. on both Friday and Saturday, though Cari Hush of the Three Harbors Boy Scout Council says they will stay until the last car departs Saturday.

“The troop members put on quite the scare,” she said.

The haunted event at the Boy Scouts of America camp has been an area tradition for eight years now. Hush said the event raises money for camp improvements, with 150 area Boy Scouts joining in to help scare the visitors each of two weekends.

“They’re our haunters, and they can put on quite the program,” Hush said. “They take them on a hayride through our woods.”

Cost is $7 at the door, and $5 if pre-purchased at the council office. People interested can call (262) 764-7162. Popcorn is $4 with free refills all night long. A refreshment stop is offered halfway through the ride.

Once finished with the half-hour ride, visitors can then tour Fort Dakota, which is a haunted fort.

There are four different tractors to take visitors through the route, though Hush warned that the lines can still get long.

 

Spooky City

Meanwhile, for those looking for a bit less excitement (and perhaps a few less scares), the City of Burlington will hold its annual Spooky City event starting at 9:30 a.m. Saturday morning.

The event kicks off with family activities and face painting at Fox River State Bank, with free hayrides from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The hayrides begin and end at McDonald’s restaurant at Dodge and Jefferson streets.

“It’s going to be the spookiest ever,” said organizer Shad Branen.

The costume parade will begin at 10:30 a.m. at Wehmhoff Square, and will parade around the block.

Other activities included in Spooky City include:

  • A live “Kids Are People, too!” music show, which includes interactive fun and games, will be held in the Chestnut Street loop beginning at 10:30 a.m.
  • A comedy magic show featuring Nickey Flynn will be offered on Pine Street starting at 11:30 a.m. Depending on the weather, the event will likely be in front of the new Mercantile building (the former Schuette-Daniels furniture store).
  • A free showing of “The Secret Life of Pets” will be shown at the Plaza Theater at 12:30 p.m. Tickets are available, up to four per person, starting at 10 a.m. at McDonald’s. Seating is limited.

• A photo contest will be held, with submissions made via the Spooky City Facebook page. One winning photo will be chosen for a $50 Burlington Gift Check, valid at various local businesses. Rules are listed on the Facebook page.

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