Bring on the corn mazes, oversized pumpkins, spine-chilling Hallowe’en displays and fire-wielding witches – here is a cornucopia of fun activities to make the most of the spooky season.
1. VANDERVIEW FARMS CORN MAZE
2200 County Road 45, Norwood
Will and Bernadette Vanderhorst are masters of the corn maze – weaving artistic designs throughout their 11 acres of corn fields. After the maze, pick your own pumpkin from their 23 varieties.
2. PHANTOM FARM
3648 Whitney Howard Road, Cobourg
Experience what it’s like to be the main character in a horror film. Walk through the winding hallways of a 4,000 sq. ft. barn at Phantom Farm as you follow trails of oozing fake blood, amid ghostly sightings and terrifying heavy breathers.
3. PROCTOR HOUSE
96 Young Street, Brighton
The sightings of a mysterious fiery ball hovering around John E. Proctor’s historical mansion have spawned many local ghost stories. Is it the apparition of a former business partner looking for payback, or rum runners? Hear all the stories, and tour this historical landmark until October 31.
4. PEC PUMPKINFEST
240 Main Street, Wellington
On October 18, get ready for the Great Pumpkin! The PEC Pumpkin Growers Association will host its 28th annual pumpkin weigh-off awarding $2,000 for the heaviest pumpkin, and more than 20 additional cash prizes for the heaviest cabbages, watermelons, and even tomatoes.
5. SCARECROW FESTIVAL AND THE WITCHES
23 Church Street, Picton (in Macaulay Heritage Park)
NorthFIRE Circus, Bass Witch Collective, The Baxter Arts Centre and the County Museums in PEC, have teamed up to bring back the Scarecrow Festival. Build your own scarecrow or participate in other free family activities. Try a circus workshop and stay for an immersive fire and aerial show featuring The Witches. Circus workshops and free activities start on Oct. 19 & 26, 2-4 PM while ticketed aerial and fire performances run Oct. 18, 19 and 25, 26.
6. HALLOWE’EN HOME BOO TOUR
Quinte West
Hop on the bus and tour some of Quinte West’s most festive Hallowe’en front yards, and then vote for the “Spookiest” and “Most Spirited” house in each ward. Voting opens in October. To register your home, or for locations, visit quintewest.ca/tourism or call Quinte Transit for tour times at 613-392-9664.
7. DEADNERSVILLE
1744 County Road 3, Carrying Place (Rednersville Rd. just west of Campbell’s Orchard)
Local resident Lorne and his dedicated volunteers transform his front yard into a spectral scene – complete with animatronic characters, mannequins and costumed performers. For every person who visits, one dollar is donated to the Belleville General Hospital Foundation.
Story by:
Micol Marotti
Illustration by:
Thérèse Cilia
