Tricks and Treats this Halloween in Columbus, Ohio

The Capital Area Humane Society hosts this Halloween Pet Parade each year to raise money to aid abused, abandoned, and homeless animals. On Sunday October 28th pets in costume parade around the Easton Town Center from 1 to 3 PM. This is lots of fun whether you have a pet in the parade or just a spectator. There are lots of creative and funny costumes. Stores throughout Easton get involved by offering bowls of water and pet treats. Prizes are awarded for Best, Scariest, and Funniest Costumes.

Also at Easton, Shadowbox will mix ghouls with glam this fall with Haunted House Party. Monsters, mystery and mayhem take the stage in Shadowbox's signature original sketch comedy featuring favorite recurring characters as well as all new surprises. Music from Led Zeppelin, Aerosmith, No Doubt, Lenny Kravitz, Queen, and Prince will round out the show. The party runs from September 6 through November 10. Tickets are $30 / $20 for students and seniors. For information and reservations call the Shadowbox Box Office at 614-416-7625 or go on line at www.shadowboxcabaret.com.

Look out for the spiders and rats on the Haunted Santa Maria at Battelle Riverfront Park in downtown Columbus. Halloween at the Santa Maria runs October 25, 26 and 27 from 7 to 10 PM. Adults are $5, youth 3-12 are $2.50, and Seniors 60 and over are $4.50. Group rates of 10 or more available with advanced reservations.

On the last Sunday in October (the 28th), the Westerville Christian Church at 471 E College Avenue hosts this family event with games, face painting, inflatable rides, food and candy. Costumes are encouraged. Admission is a monetary donation of any amount. The fun starts at 5 PM and candy is passed out from 6:30 to 7 PM.

The Ohio State University School of Music presents their Halloween Concert on Friday, October 26th at 8 PM in Weigel Auditorium at 1866 College Road. Tickets at the door; $6 general public, senior citizens, OSU faculty, staff, students; free for OSU School of Music faculty, staff, students with ID.

Meet figures from the past as you follow conductors with lanterns through the darkened hallways and chambers of the Statehouse. This historical tour is only slightly spooky so it's appropriate for the whole family. The Museum Shop and the Capitol Cafe will be open before and after the tours with special activity tables for kids. Purchase tickets on line at www.statehouseshop.com and click "Holiday." Tours run October 19th, 20th, 26th and 27th and start each half hour from 7:30 to 9:30 PM.

Each year, during the last two weekends in October, Halloween Ghost Walks lead participants through some of Columbus' most famous (and sometimes funny) haunted houses. A "Dead End Bus Tour" is also available on October 27th visiting eerie landmarks, featuring dramatic tales, and concluding with a touch of magic at a mystery location. . On October 21st, 27th, and 30th is the Spooky South tour. October 19th, 26th, and 29th feature Haunts on High.

The yearly Boo at the Zoo event runs October 19, 20, 21, 26, 27, and 28, Fridays 5 PM to 9 PM, Saturdays 9 AM to 9 PM and Sundays 9 AM to 8 PM.Regular Zoo admission rates apply. Free to Columbus Zoo and Aquarium members. There will be special appearances by Spider-man (Fri. 5 to 9 PM, Sat. and Sun. 3 to 8 PM) and Treat Stations sponsored by local businesses and organizations (open at 5 PM on Fridays and 10 AM on Sat. & Sun.). 9th Annual Pumpkin Smash at Boo at the Zoo is Saturdays only 10 AM to 3 PM. The animals will be presented with pumpkins as part of the Zoo's enrichment program.

The Community of Hilliard presents a Halloween Party for kids 2 to 12 years old and families. Get dressed up in your favorite costume and come enjoy games, prizes, and free treats on October 27, 2007 from 11AM to 1PM. Hilliard Community Center, 3800 Veterans Memorial Drive.

Look out for the Headless Horseman at All Hallow's Eve! Join the Columbus Halloween fun at this 19th Century Halloween celebration. Get your fortune told; listen to storytelling, and lots of kids' activities, games and crafts! Tickets are required and are $6.00 to $11.00. The event is held on October 20th and 27th, from 5:30 to 9:30 PM at Ohio Village, 1982 Velma Avenue.