This story has been updated to correct a date. The adult trick or treat event at the Freya Romance Boutique is Friday, Oct. 29, not Friday, Oct. 30, as initially reported. The Empire regrets the error.
If you are ready for some spooky fun, you’re in luck. With Halloween falling on Sunday, an entire weekend of COVID-19-cautious-festivities awaits kids and adults alike.
In last week’s Capital City Weekly, we focused on kid activities. This week, we turn the spotlight on activities for older kids and adults. Here’s a round-up of ways to go bump in the night this weekend.
[Thrills and chills on tap for the capital city]
Juneau Huskies Haunted Hollow
If you are in the mood for a good scare, visit the Auke Nu campground for an old-fashioned haunted campground experience.
According to Sam Adams, organizer and fundraising coordinator for the Juneau Huskies, the event is a first for the group and will feature members of the high school football team and players from the Juneau Youth Football League.
On Friday and Saturday evenings between 6 p.m. and midnight., visitors can drive through the two loops at the campground to see the sites. Adams said that the campground closes at midnight, so all cars must be in line by 11 p.m.
On Sunday, the path will be open for walkers from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Adams said that people walking with groups outside of their COVID-19 bubbles, should plan to wear a mask.
She said that haunted hollow offers something for everyone.
“The shorter loop is pretty mild but with some scary stuff,” she said. “The longer loop is blood, guts, gore and scary clowns. People with young children can turn off.”
Admission is $20 per car or $5 per person for walkers. Candy is included in the admission price.
Adams said the group needs volunteers to help set up the haunted hollow on Friday between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. She said all volunteers will earn a free pass for the weekend.
Trick or treat for romance
Head over to the Freya Romance Boutique on Friday, Oct. 29, between 4 p.m and 7 p.m. for the sixth annual adult trick or treat event.
According to Kari Reyes, shop owner, the first 100 participants will dip a hand into a cauldron to select a trick or a treat. Up to 12 trick-or-treaters can enter the store at one time to allow for social distancing.
Reyes said she wants to keep the caldron’s contents a surprise. But in past years, treats have included items like gift cards for local businesses, she said.
“Last year the tricks were actually treats, like a roll of toilet paper,” she said, recalling the pandemic-induced toilet paper shortages of 2020.
Reyes said that costumes are encouraged and that trick-or-treaters must be at least 18 years old to participate. Some of the items in the cauldron, require the winner to be 21 years old. Participants should bring an ID.
Squid Game
If you’re a fan of the Netflix series “Squid Game,” don your favorite numbered sweatshirt and get ready to play red light, green light at the Juneau Urgent Family Care Clinic.
According to social media posts, the game is set for Friday, Oct. 29 at 8 p.m. with a rain date of Saturday, Oct. 30 and 8 p.m. Join the fun at 8505 Old Dairy Road.
Witches parade
On Saturday, get your witch on at the Auke Lake Witches Parade—a do-it-yourself flotilla designed to celebrate the season.
Costumed participants should assemble at the Auke Lake boat ramp at 11 a.m. to launch the parade.
Boats, paddleboards and other floating devices are welcome—as are kids, pets and costumes other than witches and warlocks. Bring a mask, COVID-19 is not invited.
Spooks, spirits and shadowy shapes await visitors to the Juneau Huskies Haunted Hallow event, happening Friday, Saturday and Sunday. (Courtesy photo/Sam Adams) Bev O’Brein shows off a witch costume in advance of the Auke Lake Witches Parade—a do-it-yourself flotilla designed to celebrate the season, and scheduled for Saturday. (Courtesy photo/Allan Edwards)
[Staff Picks: Halloween favorites]
Grab a costume
For many of the weekend’s events, costumes are strongly encouraged. If you can’t find the right thing around your house, Kathy Buell, owner of Balloons by Night Moods, said that plenty of costumes are still available for rent.
She said that no clear trends have emerged for costumes this year and a wide variety remains available from the shop’s collection of more than 2,000 costumes.
“It’s a rare year,” she said. “In the past, it’s been a pirate Halloween or something like that. But, this year, it’s all over the place from cavemen to Egyptians to cowboys, ghosts and clowns.”
She said costume seekers can preview options for kids, men and women at www.juneausbestballoons.com.
Visit juneauempire.com for a list of candy collection options, fun run opportunities, and movie-related thrills.
• Contact reporter Dana Zigmund at dana.zigmund@juneauempire.com or 907-308-4891.
