Getting Spooky Before It’s Too Late

By Paige Siewert

Being within 40 minutes of Kansas City is a huge advantage for Saint Mary students looking to attend a variety of Halloween events.

Right here in Leavenworth, you can attend multiple events. The first being the Haunted Havens. On Saturday, October 20^th, they will be open from 7-10 pm at Havens Park just off of 22^nd and Ottawa Street where you can go for a haunted hayride, trunk-or-treat and walk through the new trails they make just for this event. This is only a one-night event. In the past, the Hayrides have been $5 but there may be a price increase for this year.

On campus, there will be Halloween activities as well. Trick or treat Off The Streets will be held on October 28^th from 6:00-8:00 pm. Children from the Leavenworth/Lansing area come to campus to partake in a trick or treating event where students will dress up and pass out candy for the children. All kids must be accompanied by an adult and kids will bring their own bags for the candy.

On October 30^th, the Fine Arts Department will be hosting a Halloween concert. This event will take place in Xavier Theatre from 7:00 pm and is open to the public.

The Genesis location in Leavenworth will be hosting a Halloween Zumba class on October 29^th from 6:30-8:00 pm. Students already have free access to this gym and their classes, but this particular event is open to the public as well. During this class, you are permitted to wear a costume if you choose. There will be glow in the dark accents and yummy treats offered to the guests.

If you are willing to make a little bit of a drive, Independence is host to a ghost tour that goes through the historic 1859 jail. The tour goes for 45 minutes with times at 7, 8 and 9pm. However, tickets must be bought in advance and are subject to sellouts. The prices are $20 for adults and $15 for kids from 7-12 years old. Children under the age of 7 will not be permitted on this tour.

On October 26^th, Tonganoxie will be hosting a community Halloween event where the businesses on 4^th Street host various Halloween activities. Events included will be a scarecrow-decorating contest, raffles, pumpkin-carving competition and a live DJ.

Every Friday and Saturday night leading up to Halloween, Worlds of Fun hosts their annual Halloween Haunt event. Online tickets are as low as $38. 32 attractions are included in this event including rides, shows, mazes and haunted houses.

In the heart of Kansas City, the Beast hosts a trio of haunted houses in old warehouses from Thursday night to Sunday night every week in October. Included are the Beast, The Edge and Macabre. This event carries into the first weekend in October and will end on November 3^rd. Doors open at 7:30 and depending on the night, they may close at various times. Tickets can be purchased for $27 with additional VIP and combo packages available.

Regardless of how you spend the rest of October, there are many options for events in the area. Keep an eye on social media and new flier postings around the school for other events that will be taking place before October 31^st.

Paige Siewert is a Senior at the University of Saint Mary studying Digital Communications.