Kicking off Halloween By Katy England edge staff writer kengland@themaineedge.com I love Halloween. It’s the only holiday that lets you dress up, buy copious amounts of candy, and watch creepy/cheesy horror movies into the wee hours while drinking beer and hot cider. Plus, it’s the kick-off to all the other spiffy holidays from now until Christmas – what’s not to love? Maine seems to embrace this spooky holiday with hundreds of haunting happenings going on all over, from haunted hay rides and ghost tours to spook-filled corn mazes and ghastly hauntings at Fort Knox. But there’s plenty to do and see this Halloween, so whether you’re looking to have the tar scared out of you or you just want to go bobbing for apples and rack up as much candy as possible, there’s something here for you. Fright at the Fort When: Oct. 24, 25 and 31; 5:30 to 9 p.m. Where: Fort Knox, Prospect Cost: $5 per person. 469-6553. http://FortKnox.MaineGuide.com/Fright Fort Knox has been bringing big scares to Prospect for years. The dark, winding halls and reputation for being haunted with actual ghosts just add to the spooky extra-goodness that is inherent in Halloween. Second Annual Full Moon Haunted Asylum When: Oct. 24, 25; 6 to 11 p.m. Where: The Grand, 165 Main St., Ellsworth Cost: $7 Adults, $5 for students The Grand in Ellsworth is being transformed into a haunted asylum that incorporates the set from the current theatrical show “Dracula.” This is a full-on atmospheric scare-fest that goes beyond just making you jump at rubber masks. “We get into creating scenes that people walk through,” said Ben Layman, a founding member and co-director of the Full Moon Players, “instead of just people in masks jumping out and trying to scare you.” The tour starts outside of the Grand, with a moon-lit walk around the theatre before entering the dark depths of the asylum. It isn’t advisable to take children younger than 12 years of age. “It’s definitely not for younger people. I would not bring anybody under 12,” cautioned Layman. “We let anybody in, but they have to deal with the nightmares and lights on for a week.” Maine Discovery Museum Parents’ Night Off and Pre-Halloween Party When: Oct. 25; pre-party 1 to 4 p.m., Parents’ Night Off 5 to 9 p.m. Where: Maine Discovery Museum, Main Street, Bangor [Get Website] Cost: $20 members, $24 non-members, siblings half price There’s tons of Halloween fun at the Maine Discovery Museum, where kids can make their own Halloween Castle and enjoy monster play dough, felt beasties, face painting and spooky crunchy snacks. Kids 12 and under are free. Parents who are looking for a night out can preregister for MDM’s Parents’ Night Out. While you and your spouse are out on the town, the kids can enjoy Halloween arts and crafts, supervised play in museum exhibits, and PIZZA! Comfy costumes are encouraged. Pumpkins in the Park When: Oct. 25 from 3:30 to 7 p.m. (pumpkin patches can be viewed from 12 noon to 3 p.m.) Where: The Bangor Auditorium Cost: $2; children 3 years and younger FREE (Hayrides $1). 941-2952. www.ucpofmaine.org. You’ll find spook-tacular family fun at the Sixth Annual Pumpkins in the Park, a community Halloween party sponsored by local businesses to benefit United Cerebral Palsy of Maine. There’s trick-or-treating, face painting, clowns, bounce houses, hayrides, games and more. And you have a chance to see hundreds of Jack-o-Lanterns glowing in the eerie fall air. Don’t miss it! Family Star Shows: ‘X-tra Terrestrial Files’ When: Oct. 26, 2 p.m. Where: The University of Maine Jordan Planetarium, Wingate Hall, Orono Cost: $3 per person. 581-1341. Halloween is the perfect time to ask yourself if you believe in alien life. If you’re looking for a scare-free, educational option for the family, this is the perfect place to bring the kids while still getting your otherworldly fix. Ghost Lamp Tours When: Oct. 28, 7 p.m. Where: Waterfront parking lot near Sea Dog, Bangor Cost: $5; members and children under 12 FREE. 942-1900. www.BangorMuseum.org. This is an enchanting and educating trip through Bangor’s past. You’ll get the vision of a Bangor of times gone by as you learn about Bangor’s past filled with taverns, brothels, gangsters, presidents and more. ‘Dracula’ When: Oct. 31 and Nov. 1, 7 p.m. and special 12 midnight performance on Halloween (Oct. 31) Where: The Grand, Ellsworth Cost: $10. www.grandonline.org. This classic tale of the bloodthirsty vampire is hitting the theater for one last Halloween extravaganza. If you are bold enough to attend on Oct. 31, when the boundaries between the natural world and the supernatural world are thin, you should really dress up. No, really, there’s a contest at the midnight showing and you can win some cash. The Devil Music Ensemble, ‘Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde’ Where: The Strand Theatre, 345 Main St., Rockland When: Oct. 25, 8 p.m. Cost: $13.50. 594-0070. www.rocklandstrand.com. Check out the classic silent film “Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde,” with the original score being played live by The Devil Music Ensemble. Oh, yes, you are encouraged to dress up for this incredible Halloween treat. It Came from WMEB: A Triple Creature Feature When: Oct. 30, 9p.m. Where: Keith Anderson Community House, University of Maine Cost: FREE! The University of Maine’s student-run radio station, WMEB 91.9 FM, is holding its third annual Halloween concert featuring three local bands Shadar Logoth, Feel it Robot, and Pres. Local visual design guru AttyPa will be putting together the visuals for the evening. There will be a prize for the best costume, so come to thrash Halloween style. Halloween Community Trick-or-Treat When: Oct. 31, 5 to 7 p.m. Where: Bangor Mall, Bangor Mall Blvd, Bangor Cost: FREE! Families can enjoy fun and safe trick-or-treating at the Bangor Mall. The kids don’t have to run around in a parka with day-glo tape wrapped around their costumes like a Las Vegas mummy, and parents can keep an eye on them while they stock up on candy. Isn’t that what this holiday is all about? ‘The Rocky Horror Picture Show’ When: Oct. 31 and Nov. 1 at 8 p.m. and 12 Midnight Where: The Center Theatre, 20 East Main Street, Dover Foxcroft Cost: $8, or $6 with a costume. www.centertheatre.org. The music, the mayhem, the cross-dressing! This is being performed live on stage and on the big screen. I can’t believe that there aren’t more movies about musical cross-dressing space aliens. ‘The Rocky Horror Picture Show’ When: Oct. 31, 9 p.m. Where: The Alamo Theatre, 379 Main St., Bucksport Cost: $5. The music, the mayhem, the cross-dressing! Sound familiar? Once you’ve had your nerves frayed by the ghosts haunting Fort Knox, pull on your fishnets and dresses, ladies and gentlemen – it’s time to do the Time Warp again! The really scary thing is thinking of all of the cool events we may have missed. Don’t be afraid to give us a shout if we missed something. I don’t drink that much blood; it goes straight to the hips. E-mail us your events at yournews@themaineedge.com. Happy Halloween!