The fearful might feel as if they are losing their head amid the chilliest of Halloween haunts of the season. But catch a glimpse of one central character at The Haunting at Shireman Homestead.
Its classic Headless Horseman already has met that fate.
Cheryl Shireman, the leader and organizer of one of the area’s most extensive haunts a few miles west of Columbus at 7060 W. County Road 200N, figures the Halloween extravaganza hardly would be the same without the galloping ghost of sorts.
“I still love all that mysteriousness,” Shireman said.
She promises mysteries and surprises aplenty Fridays and Saturdays through the weekend of Nov. 1 and 2. A non-scary, friendly time for youngsters is from 4 to 6 p.m. for a $5 ticket. And a scary schedule of events, including freaky clowns from a wrecked circus car on the grounds, will be from 8 to 11 p.m. for a $15 ticket.
About 20 different characters will be featured including — did you expect anything less? — a gentleman with a chainsaw and a definite, sharp edge to his anger. Shireman pointed out that her layout and activities have been voted tops among haunted houses for the past four years by the organizers of the website indianapolishauntedhouses.com.
But, to boost attendance, the Headless Horseman expects to make a visit to downtown Columbus and elsewhere as the character has done off and on for several years.
“There have been people dropping their forks in restaurants in the past,” Shireman said of those spotting the black-bedecked rider.
Ceraland Park also is offering a scary and non-scary option for those seeking seasonal thrills.
Sammy’s Ghost House includes the character of Sammy S’More and his ghost pals in a kid-friendly haunted house from 6 to 10 p.m. every Friday and Saturday through October, according to organizers. And such fun will lead to more enjoyment. Proceeds from the house go toward new playground equipment for the park.
Ghouly Golf also will be offered at the same time Fridays and Saturdays through the month. Plus, a costume contest will be held at 6 p.m. Oct. 26 and trick or treat time will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. Oct. 26.
And, for those slightly older, the When Darkness Falls Haunted Trail has returned this year with its special lighting and effects from 8 to 11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays the rest of the month.
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What: The Haunting at Shireman Homestead and When Darkness Falls Haunted Trail at Ceraland Park.
When: 4 to 6 p.m. and 8 to 11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays through Nov. 1-2 at Shireman Homestead. And 6 to 10 p.m. and 8 to 11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays through October at Ceraland Park.
Where: Shireman Homestead is at 7060 W. County Road 200N a few miles west of Columbus. And Ceraland Park is 3989 S. County Road 525E southeast of Columbus.
Information: shiremanhomestead.com and ceraland.org.
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