Halloween Fun in Carroll County: Pumpkins, Parades, Pies and a Bench Press Contest

Whether you’re out for simple fall fun or looking for something haunted and spooky, there should be something in these events to fit your fancy.  

Carroll County Arts Center Presents: Alfred Hitchcock Double Feature
To kick-off Halloween this year, The Carroll County Arts Center is hosting a back to back showing of two films by “Master of Suspense” Alfred Hitchcock.   

First, “Rear Window” showcases James Stewart and Grace Kelly.  After a short intermission,  "The Birds” will play starring Rod Taylor and Tippi Hedren.

When:  Saturday, Oct. 29
Time: 7 p.m.
Price: $8-$10
Phone:  410-848-7272
Location:  91 W. Main St., Westminster

Westminster’s Annual Halloween Parade
Coordinated by the American Legion Post #31, this parade will begin at Pennsylvania Avenue and continue onto Main Street and end at Longwell Avenue. 

When:  Tuesday, Oct. 25, 2011
Time:   Registration: 6 p.m. / Parade Begins: 7:00 p.m.
Price: Free
Location: Monroe St. near Dutterer's Park.
For more Information call: 410-857-7953 

Carroll County Family Center Y - Happy Healthy Halloween
The Carroll County Family Center Y invites one and all for a Happy Healthy Halloween “Extravaganza”.

When:  Friday, Oct. 21
Time: 6 p.m. - 8 p.m.                                                    
Where:  1719 Sykesville Rd., Westminster                    
Call: 410-848-3660                                                     

Carroll County Agriculture Center Corn Maze
The 2011 Corn Maze is designed to feature Carroll’s “Top 5” Agricultural Products.  Check it out and find some fun for the whole family.

When:  Friday, Saturday and Sunday through Oct. 30. Friday and Saturday from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m., Sunday 2 p.m. until 7 p.m.
Where:  Carroll County Ag Center – 706 Agricultural Drive, Westminster, MD
Price: Adults $10, Children 3-12 $5, Children 2 and under Free

Trick-or-Treat Trail, Pie Making, Pumpkin Carving and Costume Contests

Wakefield Valley Community Trail is set to host the 1st Annual Trick-or-Treat Trail.  Kids of all ages are encouraged to wear their Halloween costumes as they trick-or-treat along the trail and local businesses pass out candy.  Prizes will be awarded for the best costumes.

There will also be a “Kids Pie Making Contest” and “Pumpkin Carving Contest”.  Pies and Pumpkins are to be made and brought from home.  All pies and Pumpkins submitted by 3:30 p.m. will be judged on both taste and appearance and prizes will be given out to the winners.

When:  Saturday, Oct. 29
Time:  3 p.m. til 6 p.m.
Price: Free
Location: Wakefield Valley Community Trail, Tahoma Farm Road, Westminster
Phone:  410-848-9161

Pick Your Own Pumpkins at Baugher’s Orchard & Farm
Jump on a hayride to pick your own pumpkins then enjoy crafts and treats from multiple vendors.  Kids will enjoy the free playground and free walk-in petting zoo.

When: Weekends in October and Friday, October 21
Time: Saturday & Sunday 10 a.m. until 5 p.m.

Carroll County Public Library’s Downtown Westminster Ghost Walks
The Carroll County Public Library staff presents an evening stroll through Downtown Westminster to visit and learn about local ghosts and legends.

This tour is recommended for ages 10 and older.  Children under age 14 must be accompanied by an adult.

Private ghost walks groups of 10 or more may be coordinated with Jillian at (410) 386-4490, x7723.    

When:  October 21, 26-27 and 31
Time: 6:30 p.m.
Price: Free
Other:  Registration required.  Register online at https://library.carr.org/programs_news/programs.asp; call 410-386-4488; or visit any of the branch libraries during open hours.

Halloween Bench Press
The Westminster Family Fitness Center is sponsoring their Annual Halloween Bench Press. 

When: Saturday, October 29, 2011
Time: 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Price: Registration for participants is $70.  Forms can be returned to the Family Fitness Center or to GNC in the Cranberry Square Shopping Center.    
Where: Westminster Family Fitness Center, 11 Longwell Avenue
Call: 410-751-5501

Sykesville Ghosts and Legends Tour
Learn about spirits and legends in Historic Sykesville including Sykesville Monster sightings, the ghost of Baldwin’s Station, and more.  Two guided tours per night, each tour lasts approximately one hour. You must pre-register by emailing the number of attendees to ivy@sykesville.net.

When:  October 21, 22 & 28
Time: Twilight                                                                             
Price:  Adults $10, Seniors 65+ $8, Kids 12 and Under $8, Not recommended for children under 5
Call: 410-795-8959

Haunted Cafe
The Mount Airy Branch Library Anime Club will be hosting a “Haunted Café”.  Set up in the large meeting room, the group will be dressed in costumes and offer light refreshments.  They will also be celebrating Culture Day in Japan. 

Where:   Mt. Airy Branch Library, 705 Ridge Ave, Mt. Airy,
When:  Saturday, Oct. 29, 2011                                              
Time:  1:00 p.m.                                                                          
Price: Free                                                                                    

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