Halloween Events near Ocala? (Gainesville, Seminole: 2009, rental, house)

[jenrein]

Hey guys- last year was our first Halloween here and we managed to talk the kids into a mini party at home not knowing what there was going on. We got 1 trick or treater at our house that night and live in a big subdivision. What kinds of things are going on? And mini festivals or somewhere a lot of kids can get together? We had thought about even going to Downtown Disney, some people say they do candy for kids to trick or treat and some don't know. Ideas? My kids are between 8 and 12. Thanks!

[emi__]

When I was a kid, the Paddock Mall had this big Halloween thing. A kid could get a ton of candy from that night. There's some schools that do it too, College Park Elementary (it's near CFCC) used to, I'm not sure if they still do.

[jenrein]

Originally Posted by emi__

When I was a kid, the Paddock Mall had this big Halloween thing. A kid could get a ton of candy from that night. There's some schools that do it too, College Park Elementary (it's near CFCC) used to, I'm not sure if they still do.

Thank you! I will check into these, it would be perfect!

[Angela in Florida]

Hi, Check out the fall festival at OBS. It's great! TTYS, A

[jenrein]

Angela- what is OBS?

[Angela in Florida]

Originally Posted by jenrein

Angela- what is OBS?

Hi, It's Ocala Breeders Sale..... across from the airport. Just call them and ask about the Fall Festival.

[Catfidential]

I was looking for something for my husbend and I to do for halloween close to Ocala. We just moved here and I dont know anyone. Is there a place after trick or treat hours to go?
If there is I need detailed directions since I dont know my way around I am close to the mall.

[motkdz]

Found at: www.floridastateparks.org/lakegriffin/events
Have been to the event before--great for kids, teens and adults! Very affordable, too

LAKE GRIFFIN SPOOK-TACULAR
3089 US Hwy 441/27
Fruitland Park, FL 34731

Date: 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. - October 24, 2009

Description:

Come join us for a frighteningly good time as Lake Griffin State Park and the Friends of Florida State Parks, Inc. host our annual

Lake Griffin Spook-tacular

This fundraising event is a safe and fun alternative to traditional trick or treating and includes games and prizes, a Trick or Treat Lane, candy, arts and crafts, costume contest, face painting and a chilling atmosphere for all ages. Beginning at sunset, our Trail of Terror will have spine-tingling surprises that will test the nerves of the older ghouls. All activities will take place in the park's picnic area and nature trail. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

The costume contest will be held from 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm with judging at 6:45 pm. Participants must be present at judging in order to win. Please remember this is a family event and all costumes should be tasteful. Contest entry will require 4 activity tickets for each contestant. Costume contest winners will receive a rod and reel combo, a tackle box, park day use and one hour canoe rental pass and a variety of other items. Prizes are subject to change without prior notice.

Food and beverages will also be available, so come hungry!

Fees: $1.00 per person, infants are free. Activity tickets $0.25 each
Contact: 352.360.6760

[SantaFeSandy]

Originally Posted by Angela in Florida

Hi, It's Ocala Breeders Sale..... across from the airport. Just call them and ask about the Fall Festival.

Ocala is the "horse capital of the world" and while we have many different equestrian activities and breeds here, OBS concentrates on the Thoroughbred.

The airport mentioned is a mini-charter airport, not some huge thing. 60th/Airport Rd is off Hwy. 27/aka 500 and the intersection of Hwy. 40. There is a Kangaroo Gas and Chevron at the intersection, and OBS is across the street along with Seminole feed and a few tack shops.

Now, as for Halloween Activities, "Trained Dog Happy Dog" (you can Google that name and come up with contact data or write a direct message to me and I will give you the contact data) is having a Coursing, swimming, agility fun night for dogs and their families, to benefit WAG (Williston Animal Group). There will be BBQ etc.

For adults, Newberry's Backyard Bar-B-Q, a fantastic, BBQ house in a very quaint little city about 30 miles NW of Ocala and 12 miles W of the Gainesville I-75 exit onto Newberry Road/aka SR 26 (Newberry's Backyard Bar-BQ - Finest dining in Newberry), is planning on having an Adult Haunted House above the Restaurant. As Legend goes, the 100 yr. old 2 story building use to host a "red light" district upstairs.

Over the years, working girls/guys died upstairs, and their ghosts still roam the many rooms up there. It's said that uncanny things go on up there, from electrical activities to doors closing by themselves etc., and that the spirits that still dwell there are gender specific. I've been upstairs and can attest to the magnificence of the layout, but it is like a maze.

I'm sure that the Haunted House will be a real kicker and worth the drive. Besides, we have a full bar and dance floor inside the restaurant too, and it's really great foods that are all homemade, in a very clean restaurant that truly adheres to Food Safety Standards. Very inexpensive too, 10 adults could eat well, for less then $150. Now that's cheap. Tips are NOT added on to large bills, do don't forget your server!

P.S. - Ask for Sandy's section and I'll take care of you!