By: HANNAH DEMCHAK
Staff Writer
The autumn season is quickly approaching, and many students are already planning their fall-themed events. Students and staff of IU South Bend may be unaware of the many fun festivities that the South Bend area has to offer. There is a little bit of everything for everyone occurring throughout the month of October.
For those who enjoy fall festivals, check out the Fall Harvest Fest from 12 to 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 8., located at Beutter Park in Mishawaka. This festival will include live music, a beer garden for those over the age of 21, arts and crafts for kids and even a chili cook-off.
Those who like getting crafty might enjoy the Make Your Own Scarecrow event, taking place from 12:30 to 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 16 at Bendix Woods County Park, roughly fifteen minutes away from South Bend. Participants will be able to make their own scarecrow to take home, go on hayrides or even have some s’mores by a campfire. Pre-registration is required. A family of four costs $20, and each additional person is $2.
A suspenseful night of terror is in store for those who love mystery. The Tippecanoe Place in South Bend will feature a Monster Bash: Murder Mystery Dinner on Friday, Oct. 21 at 6:30 p.m. Reservations are required in advance, and tickets cost $70 each.
Located at 855 Mayflower Road in Niles, Mich., the Niles Haunted House is back again this year and will feature three new haunted houses. This year, the Niles Haunted House 2016 will have a theme based off of classic 1930’s horror films such as “Dracula” and “Creature from the Black Lagoon.” The two other haunted houses are entitled “Krampus: a Christmas Curse” and “Cabin 13.” Old favorites such as the Field of Screams and the Dark Terrortory Haunted Hayride will be back again this year as well. Throughout October, these attractions will be open Fridays and Saturdays from 7 to 11 p.m. and Sundays from 7 to 10 p.m. Ticket prices vary but are viewable on the Niles Haunted House website, http://www.haunted.org.
Fear Itself at Legend Scream Park, located at the corner of Capital and McKinley, will be featuring six haunted attractions this year including favorites such as Sinister Circus, Cuckoo’s Nest, 13th Hour 4D Experience and Rock Monkey Cave. The Bloody Bayou Swamp is making a comeback this year, as well as an all new, never-before-seen attraction called “Rat Trap.” Fear Itself will be open Thursdays and Sundays 7 to 11 p.m. and Fridays and Saturdays from 7 p.m. to midnight. Each individual attraction is $19. However, students can bring their IUSB student identification cards and receive a combo pass on Friday and Saturday for only $29.95 compared to the regular price of $39.95, and Thursday and Sunday for $25. This year, they will have fireworks on display on Friday nights. On Saturday, Nov. 5, Fear Itself will be having a special blackout event called “Do It in the Dark at Legend Park.”
Students and staff who have children can take their little ones to Potawatomi Zoo’s Zoo Boo! The event will take place Oct. 21 through Oct. 23 and will include trick-or-treating. The zoo transforms itself into a safe and spooky spot to get some Halloween goodies by using pumpkins and colorful lights.
Another event taking place in October is the Ghouls and Goodies event from Oct. 26 through Oct. 28 at 2 p.m. at the Battell Center in Mishawaka. This is a kid-friendly event that will feature ghost story-telling, games, food and some crafts. Reservations are required.
For those that are 21 and older, the Morris Performing Arts Center will have their second Annual Monster Bash from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. Friday, Oct. 28. U93, Blammo and DJ Sticky Boots will be performing. Tickets are $10 if bought in advance or $15 the day of. Be sure to wear a costume.
