A Ghoulish Good Time

New frightful features to appear at The Haunted Village

Olde Pickerington Village’s Haunted Village is in its fifth year, but event planners are keeping entertainment fresh and scares maximized.

From 6-8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 27, the Olde Pickerington Village Business Association and City of Pickerington Recreation Department will co-sponsor this frightful free event on Columbus Street. Olde Village businesses will decorate their spaces and give out candy to trickor-treaters.

David Beckham Photography will offer more than just its usual photo opportunities with a spooky backdrop. Owner David Beckham, along with local high school seniors, is turning the studio into a haunted house.

“It’s fun for the kids that are senior models to give back to the community,” says Beckham.

Strobe lights, fog and student-selected costumes will welcome those poor souls who dare to enter the back half of the studio.

“I just think it will be the (most fun) corner in town. The kids have a blast at this event,” says Beckham.

The haunted house is geared toward the younger crowd, but all ages are welcome. Attendees can purchase a professional photograph in front of the backdrop for $5 or use their own cameras for free.

Beckham’s haunted house is not the only new fright in the haunted village.

Community members may bring in precarved pumpkins for the new pumpkin carving contest in the plaza area next to the historical museum. In addition, 10 caretakers from the Dovel Memorial Cemetery will take participants through five paranormal events in history, such as the tales of a man killed in a train wreck and gambler whose throat was slashed. Ghost tours begin at 6:30 p.m.

Academic Boosters’ Antique and Craft Show features more than 100 dealers, artists and craft persons from around the state. The proceeds from the event fund academic programs and scholarships for graduating seniors at both Pickerington high schools.

Nov. 13

United Way of Fairfield County

5K Run/2 Mile Walk

9 a.m., Fairfield County Fairgrounds, 157 Fair Ave., Lancaster, www.uwayfairfieldco.org

Join the United Way for this fundraiser to support its annual campaign to fund programs such as the Pickerington Food Pantry, Project WISE at Ridgeview Middle School and the Big Brothers/Big Sisters tutoring programs. Registration begins at 7:30 a.m. The race costs $15 for individuals and $50 for teams.

“It’s a great atmosphere, and by 6 p.m. on the 27th, it’s pretty dark,” says Don Ross, recreation coordinator for the City of Pickerington.

For more information, visit www.pickerington. net or contact the Pickerington Recreation Department at (614) 833-2211.

Thailyr Scrivner is a contributing writer. Comments and feedback welcome at gbishop@ pubgroupltd.com.