Care to guess what the U.S. Census Bureau has named one of the nation’s notable localities to inspire a Halloween mood?
Indeed, the Cape Fear.
While the origin of the name itself has endured plenty of debate (read all about it here), the area offers plenty of spooky activities to make Halloween 2012 quite the haunting memory (of the fun sort).
Below are some of the hair-raising goings-on to consider:
Trick-or-treat at local fire departments
New Hanover County Fire Rescue and Wilmington Fire Department will open fire stations for trick-or-treating 5:30-8 tonight.
Come visit the fire station, meet the firefighters, and get a Halloween treat. Call (910) 798-7419 for the closest station.
Batty Battleship’s Halloween Bash
Trick or Treat aboard the Battleship North Carolina from 5:30-8 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 30. Admission is $5 and children younger than two are free. For more information visit the Battleship North Carolina’s website.
Fort Fisher’s ghost hike
On this night, trails will be open to explore the unexplained phenomenon that surrounds the Fort Fisher Area. Call (910) 458-5798to reserve your spot in advance. Space is limited. Meet at the visitor center at 8 p.m. Oct. 30. For information visit the Fort Fisher website.
Haunted trolley
Take a ghost trolley tour through downtown Wilmington. Tickets are $11 for adults and $5 for children under 12. Tours run from 6-9 p.m. nightly until Oct. 31.
Ghost walk
A 90-minute tour of downtown’s 275-year-old alleyways. Tickets are $12 for adults and $10 for seniors, students or military. Children six and under are free. Tickets are purchased by cash or travelers checks just before the tour begins, or click here to purchase tickets online. Tours meet riverfront at Market and Water streets. Tours are nightly at 6:30 and 8:30 p.m. until Oct. 31.
Mall wide trick-or-treating
Join the Independence Mall for a fun and safe evening of trick-or-treating from 4-6 p.m. Oct. 31. For information contact Independence Mall at (910) 392-1776 or visit the event website.
Haunted kiddy mansion
The Community Arts Center and the Thalian Association team up to bring the Haunted Kiddy Mansion to downtown Wilmington from 5-8 p.m. Oct. 31. Cost is $3. Event will be at 120 South Second St. For more information contact Donna Green at (910) 341-7860 or visit the Community Arts Center website.
Panic Attack
Elaborate haunted house located at 1290 South 15th St. It is not recommended for children under the age of 13. General admission is $20. The box office opens at 6 p.m. Oct. 30-31. Shows begin at dark. For more information contact Panic Attack at (910) 262-5281 or visit the website.
If you’d like us to consider adding your community Halloween event, please email [email protected].
The big deal about Halloween
According to the Census Bureau’s newsroom, Halloween dates back millennia to Celtic rituals. Today, the costumes-and-candy night is a celebration that an estimated 41 million children or more enjoy nationwide. The bureau also notes an economic impact: $113 million last year alone in pumpkins harvested from the six most pumpkin-growing states–Illinois, California, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Michigan.
In 2010, the bureau said, the states grew 1.1 billion pounds of pumpkin.
The Lower Cape Fear wasn’t the only North Carolina region named notable for Halloween. Transylvania County in the mountainous western part of the state received top mention; Pumpkin Center in Onslow County also got a nod.
Keep it safe
For trick-or-treaters, the American Red Cross has urged safety to keep the holiday as fun as possible. Tips include adding reflective tape to costumes and bags; plan a route to follow and make sure the adults in charge know about it; bring a flashlight; only visit homes with porch lights on and never go inside.
Additionally, trick-or-treaters should look both ways before crossing any street, stay on sidewalks where possible and avoid strange animals.
For homeowners or occupants who might expect candy-wanting guests, the Red Cross advises to make sure the porch is lit and free of obstacles over which children might trip. Also, make sure pets are restrained so there aren’t any incidents.
For more tips to keep Halloween a safe, good time, click here.
