Get spooked in Suffolk this season
Published 9:29 pm Monday, October 1, 2012
You’re invited to learn the myths and legends of Suffolk — or even help create them — during this spooky season.
The city is hosting haunting events both in Sleepy Hole Park and in downtown Suffolk.
The “Legends of Sleepy Hole” will transform normally-serene Sleepy Hole Park into a wilderness of haunts, scares and screams for two nights, Oct. 26-27, from 7 to 11 p.m. The haunted hayride will take riders through the forest, where they will experience eerie happenings and come across some sinister characters.
A volunteer prepares to scare the wits out of unsuspecting hayride guests at the 2010 Legends of Sleepy Hole event.
The hayride is $5 per ride and intended for children 10 years of age and up. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the city’s United Way campaign.
For younger children, the “Friendly Forest” area will offer carnival games, crafts and a bounce house to keep them away from the frightening forest. Concessions also will be available at the event.
People who would like the opportunity to scare their fellow citizens are welcome to become part of the fun. The Department of Parks and Recreation is looking for volunteers to dress as a zombie, ghost or ghoul and entertain the hayride participants. No prior spooking experience is needed. Call 514-7268 if interested in volunteering, or call 514-7567 for more general information about the event.
The park is located at 4616 Sleepy Hole Road.
If you’re looking for more of an authentic experience, the “Legends of Main Street” ghost walks begin this Saturday and continue through Nov. 10.
The 90-minute guided tours will offer the inside story on documented but unexplained happenings in some of downtown Suffolk’s most historic buildings.
The tours depart from the Suffolk Visitor Center, located in the historic Nansemond County Courthouse at 524 N. Main St. Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for seniors, military or children ages 9 to 12. It is not recommended for younger children or the faint of heart.
Reservations are required for all ghost walks, as space is limited. Register by calling 514-4130.
Ghost walks will be held at 6 p.m. Oct. 6, 13 and 20; at 5:30 p.m. Oct. 26-27; and at 5 p.m. Nov. 3 and 10.
