Plenty of options for spooky excitement in the coming weeks

We are now into what I like to call “full blown spooky season,” meaning the calendar is getting jam-packed with Halloween activities. There really are too many events to count in the local area, but here are a few that I am aware of that should help you to get into the spirit…

See a scary movie

This past weekend I had the opportunity to see The Exorcist: Believer, which is the latest installment in the Exorcist film franchise. Now, nothing will ever be able to top the original. That is a given. With that being said, though, I don’t think this movie really set out to do that at all. Were there some callbacks to previous installments? Yes. Did we see some old faces along with the new? Yep. But, ultimately, I do feel like this movie was able to find its own voice, which was good.

The Exorcist: Believer is currently playing at the Tri-County Cineplex, soon to be Cinema Social, which is about to unveil a ton of exciting new additions. I am very eager to get a look at all the work that has been put into the business in recent months, and I am hoping to provide everyone with more details in the very near future.

FYI – before the start of the movie this past weekend, I saw a trailer for Five Nights at Freddy’s. I am only vaguely aware of this franchise (originally a video game series, I believe), but I thought the movie looked kind of fun. It releases later this month.

Make some pumpkin art

If scary movies aren’t quite your speed, or if you’re looking for something to do with young children, then consider checking out a couple of free art classes that are coming up soon in Williamsburg.

The Whitley County Cooperative Extension’s 4-H Youth Development Office will be hosting a “rustic pumpkin wood painting” class on Friday, Oct. 20 from 6-8 p.m. at the Whitley County Fine Arts building on Main Street.

A week later, on Oct. 27, the Community Arts Extension will be hosting a pumpkin painting for families event from 5:30-8:30 p.m. at the same location.

More info on both of these events can be found online at tinyurl.com/WCPACE.

Visit the CPL Ghost Tours

The Corbin Public Library has announced its Annual Ghost Tours for Friday and Saturday, Oct. 20-21. This is always a good time, and will include a “haunted” tour of the downtown area, games, refreshments and more. Festivities are scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. each evening, and more info is available if you visit corbinkylibrary.org or give them a call at (606) 528-6366.

Visit a local haunted attraction

There are a ton of haunted houses/trails/hay rides that are now in operation across the tri-county area. One that I received an email about recently is the Fariston Haunted Forest, which is located in Laurel County. I don’t know all of the details, but one of our favorite local artists, Kellene Turner, apparently had a hand in adding some updates to the attraction this year. I’m hoping to get a chance to go by and check it out, and also see what many other local haunts have to offer during an upcoming weekend.

Come by or help out with a trunk-or-treat

I am seeing new trunk-or-treat events getting announced on social media every day. Many are simply asking folks to bring their kids to load up on candy, while others are still needing more folks who would be willing to come set up and hand out some treats. Here are a few that I am aware of at the moment:

– 4-6 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 27 at the EKU Corbin Campus

– Noon-3 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 28 at Cumberland Falls State Resort Park

– Noon-2 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 28 at KY Splash Water Park (see this week’s guest column from Public Health Dir. Marcy Rein for more details)

Also on the 28th, there will be several different activities, including trick-or-treating, at the Sheltowee Trace Adventure Resort. This may be a good stop to make either on the way to, or on the way back from, the Falls trunk-or-treat.

As I said, there are more fun Halloween events and attractions taking place in the local area in the coming weeks. These are just some that I happen to know about. Be sure to keep an eye out for signs, posts and community announcements to find out about other opportunities near you. Most importantly, stay safe no matter where you end up!