EMBRACE THE FRIGHT

Breaking down ways for you to take part in Halloween

For most people, Halloween is one of those holidays they look forward to the most. It is one of those holidays that lends itself well for participation of all ages.

Whether you are a child heading off for some trick-or-treating or an adult looking for a good scare, Halloween can be something for everybody. We’ve taken a look at the holiday and are hoping to help you with this year’s planning.

It might look a bit different because of COVID-19, nonetheless, here are some routes to take if you want to take an active part in the scariest holiday of the year.

Catch a scary movie, read a scary book

There is no shortage of movies or books that tell a terrifying tale. Slasher fix in the vein of “Friday the 13th” or a “Nightmare on Elm Street” are a dime a dozen, while Stephen King is a go-to when it comes to the macabre.

However, maybe take the opportunity to make use of the year’s scariest season and expand your view of horror. Among the first to weave a fright is H.P. Lovecraft and his tales of cosmic horror, while underappreciated gems like “The Exorcist III” are always good for a dark and stormy night.

SCARY MOVIES: www.rottentomatoes.com/top/bestofrt/ top_100_horror_movies/ HORROR NOVELS: www.npr.org/2018/08/16/632779706/ click-if-you-dare-100-favorite-horror-stories

Food, food, food

Like so many other holidays including Thanksgiving and Christmas, food pairs extremely well, while at the same time allows for an immersion into the season.

The neat thing is, food can be taken the next step during Halloween and can be a part of the season’s narrative.

Brain’s made from Jell-O? You bet. You can have just as much fun with the edible side of Halloween while keeping the fright.

FRIGHTENING FOOD: www.delish.com/holiday-recipes/ halloween/g366/scary-halloween-recipes/

CARVE A PUMPKIN

Family friendly while still basking in the Halloween spirit, carving a pumpkin is rich in tradition. The tradition had its beginnings in Ireland, where the people would carve faces into a turnip or potato.

As Irish immigrants began coming to American, the tradition came with. Carving a pumpkin can be as simple or intricate as you wish, but regardless of how much you challenge yourself, it’s worth keeping in mind to include the whole family for the full experience.

PUMPKIN CARVING IDEAS: www.womansday.com/ home/crafts-projects/g950/funny-pumpkin-carving-ideas/

Take a walk

As the sun sets much earlier, hopefully it provides an opportunity to take a seasonal walk in a spooky setting. Places like the Jay C. Hormel Nature Center or even Todd Park can provided a backdrop for a walk at sunset complete with the rattling of bare branches and the rustle of dead leaves. And be sure to see what the rest of the state has to offer.

It’s not only a chance to feel some frights, but it’s also a chance to get out in nature.

WALK ON THE WILD SIDE: www.exploreminnesota.com/ article/prettiest-places-to-hike-minnesota-fal