Halloween events, Ghost Walks highlight weekend

You don't have to go as yourself to enjoy many of the Halloween-themed activities this weekend in Perrysburg. Costumes, in keeping with the holiday tradition, are encouraged.

The student government at Owens Community College is holding a kid-friendly Halloween Alternative, a free event that offers trick-or-treating, crafts, and a haunted house in a secure, indoor setting.

From 6 to 8 p.m. Friday on the Perrysburg Township campus, children can decorate puppets, candy bags, and keepsake pumpkins, as well as collect treats from Owens students and enter a haunted house. Refreshments will be available for all guests.

On Friday and Saturday, Fort Meigs will hold the last of its annual Garrison Ghost Walks, exploring spooky tales of soldiers long dead appearing on the historic grounds and other reports of paranormal activity.

An 1812-era re-enactment guide will take participants through the fort by lantern light, stopping at various points for other costumed volunteers to tell ghost stories. Tours step off every 15 minutes from 7 to 9 p.m. at the visitor center, 29100 West River Rd. The outdoor tours will be held in most weather, including light rain, so visitors are encouraged to dress warmly with comfortable walking shoes and may bring umbrellas.

Reservations are required by calling 419-874-4121 or 800-283-8916. Admission is $8 for ages 13 through adult and $4 for ages 6–12. The event is not recommended for children 5 or younger, although they will be admitted free.

OctoBOOfest in historic downtown Perrysburg will pack a month of Halloween spirit into one afternoon and evening Saturday.

More than 300 pumpkins will be available for free carving 1-4:30 p.m. at Hood Park from. Perrysburg High School Art Club members will provide guidance, and judges will rate the best carvings. The jack-o-lanterns then will be displayed around the Commodore Perry Monument and lighted with candles every evening through Halloween, according to Downtown Perrysburg Inc.

The Fall Fest Street Fair from 1 to 5 p.m. along Louisiana Avenue in the historic downtown will include hay rides, Chortie the Clown, the YMCA Fun Bus, and Crazy Craig’s juggling and stilts. Kids can enjoy a bouncy house and face painting, and free popcorn, cotton candy, and apple cider will be offered. The Dance Factory and Cindy Slee will provide musical entertainment, and street vendors and entertainers will include professional pumpkin carving demonstrations by Ice Creations.

A heated tent will be raised on East Second Street at Louisiana from 7 p.m. to midnight for a BOO Bash! dance party with music by DJ Richie Rich. Tickets are $5 and are available at the Downtown Perrysburg Inc. offices at 117 E. Second St. and online at http://octoboofest.com. Tickets also will be sold at the tent, but space is limited and advance tickets are recommended, according to the downtown group.

BOO Bash! guests are invited to wear Halloween costumes, the best of which will be recognized at the party. Beer, including seasonal micro-brews, will be available.