Halloween Contest: Local Attractions

Even though the leaves haven't changed colors and the weather hasn't gotten cooler, October has come to Pensacola, Florida. Along with October comes Halloween. In a few short weeks, throngs of children dressed up as their favorite characters or as things from nightmares will come ringing doorbells and rapping at doors shouting, "Trick or treat." In the spirit of Halloween, Pensacola offers a variety of events for people of every age and every level courage.

The North Florida Zoo believes in incorporating animals with children for Halloween. On October 17, 18, 24, 25, 30, and 31 from 6-10 p.m., they will be holding their Nightmare on the Safari. This event includes face painting, food, games, story telling, and a haunted train ride. On Halloween night the zoo will be offering trick or treating and a freak show including a bird boy, the bearded lady, Cyclops, and others. The cost is $5 at the door and $3 for the haunted train ride. On October 19, they will be holding a Pumpkin Party which will include food and pumpkin decorating. On October 25 they will be hosting Zoo Boo which will include face painting, crafts, bouncy houses, a costume parade, a costume contest, and more. Everyone that goes to this event in costume receives $2 off admission. For more information about these events, prices, and location log on to www.thezoonorthwestflorida.org.

The Naval Museum believes in family fun for Halloween. This year on October 25 from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. they will be hosting their 10^th Annual Halloween Celebration. This event includes a "Haunted Helicopter," food, Nate the Magician, Rainbow the Clown, Scooby-Doo, and more. Attendees are encouraged to dress in costume and enter a raffle drawing. For more information about the event and location please log on to www.navalaviationmuseum.org.

What would Halloween be without a play? Pensacola Little Theater will be presenting the classic The Rocky Horror Show on October 24-November 1 starting at 8 p.m. in the Valerie J. Russenberger Theatre. Everyone is encouraged to dress in costume for this event. For ticket purchasing information, prices, and directions please log on to www.pensacolalittletheatre.com/events/rockyhorror.html.

Do you have the guts to eat in a haunted restaurant? Haunted Seville Quarter in the entertainment complex offers a haunted tour and lunch. A costumed guide will take you on paranormal historic tour that will begin with coffee at the Palace Café and end with an award winning buffet lunch at Apple Annie's Courtyard. To make reservations call 850-221-1977. For prices, directions, and other information log on to www.pensacolahistoryandhauntings.com.

What is Halloween without haunted houses? The Pensacola Historical Society is conducting its Haunted House Walking and Trolley Tours on October 17, 18, 24, 25, and 31 and November 1. They offer three different tours that include the North which leaves the Pensacola Historical Museum and heads to the North side of Seville Square, the South which leaves the Pensacola Historical Museum and heads to the South side of Seville Square, and the Redlight which has an adult theme and leaves the Pensacola Historical Museum and heads down Palafox Street. The tours will allow you to rent a Ghost Meter for $5. On November 1 Madame Nina will read your cards and tell your future for $20 for 30 minutes and $10 for 15 minutes. On Halloween night there will be an adult costume contest for the most creative, most scary, and most comical and a children's costume contest for the funniest, scariest, and the most superheroist. For reservation information, pricing, times, and other information log on to www.pensacolahistory.org.

If you have a taste for live music, WUWF Public Media's RadioLive is hosting it's RadioDead on October 31. RadioDead will include music from Beth Wood, the Hillbilly Chic duo of Truckstop Honeymoon, and Drew Tillman with the Drew Tillman Band. This event will also include a food drive for Manna Food Pantries. For more information log on to www.wuwf.org/events/events.shtml.

October brings the chills and thrills of Halloween. The city of Pensacola invites everyone to join them in this Halloween celebration. No matter your age or level or bravery the Pensacola community has a Halloween event for everyone.