Halloween happenings

The Halloween spirit abounds as we near that spooky date. There’s much to see and do in the area, before the candy-fest arrives next Saturday. Whether you want to step back in time to celebrate Halloween the way Long Islanders did over 120 years ago, stop by Cradle of Aviation museum for some “haunting” after hours, visit the grounds of Nassau County Museum of Art all dressed up in its Halloween finery, or find some scary thrills at one of the haunted houses in the area, there’s something for Halloween lovers of all ages.
Here’s a round-up of where to go this weekend:

A Haunted Historic Halloween
Celebrate Halloween at Old Bethpage Village Restoration, as it was done over 120 years ago, with ghost stories, magic lantern shows and pumpkin carving.
“During the 19th century, Halloween celebrations involved ghost stories and mischief like removing gates and tipping over sheds and outhouses,” said OBVR Site Director Jim McKenna. “Americans also began to dress in costumes and go house to house asking for food or money, borrowing from the Irish and English traditions.” This practice eventually became our “trick or treat” tradition.
Village festivities include:

Ghost story readings.

Recounting the tales of the local grave-digger (who often fired his musket in the air to keep away spirits).

Carving Jack-O-Lanterns.

Touring the haunted habitats during a village ghostwalk.

A 19th century “monster hunt.”

The fun takes place Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 24-25; also Saturday, Oct. 31, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. $10 adults, $7 children 4-14 and seniors. Visit Old Bethpage Village Restoration, Round Swamp Rd., Old Bethpage. (516) 572-8400.

Long Island Fear Fest
Also taking place at the historic Old Bethpage Village this year, at its fairgrounds, is a spooky and frightening haunted house, known as Long Island Fear Fest. Its creators say it is not for the faint of heart.
Designed and created by Marty Arominski and John Loffredo, who describe themselves “two wild and scary guys who get their kicks by causing chaos and panic,” the Fear Fest is housed in an
historic building, which is horrifying
from the outside, before even entering.
This attraction spans three separate 1600+ square foot, very haunted houses. Participants have the option to enter one, two, or even all three houses (if they dare!).
Revelers will battle their way though a sinister body bag room, run for their lives in a terrifying monster-themed room, scream for mercy in the “trophy” room and pray for pity as they desperately try to escape several haunting, bloody mazes. Expect to spooked beyond your imagination, whenever you least expect it!
Fear Fest effects include an electric chair, chainsaws that bolt from out of the blue and bombshells at every turn. In addition to the unending special effects, one never knows when one will encounter the ghost of a civil war solider from Company “E” of the 14th Brooklyn Regiment, who is still searching for his true resting place. Zombies abound and creatures of the night lurk in every passageway.
The haunted doors open Friday, Oct. 23, 7 p.m.-midnight; Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 24-25, 7-10 p.m.; Wednesday and Thursday, Oct. 28-29, 7-10 p.m.; Friday, Oct. 30, 7 p.m.-midnight; Sunday, Oct. 31, 7 -10 p.m. $12 entry per house or $25 for all three houses. Find the Fear Fest at Old Bethpage Village’s Fairgrounds, Round Swamp Rd., Old Bethpage. (516) 723- 9026 or www.longislandfearfest.com.

Haunted Hangars
Dare to come to the Cradle of Aviation Museum for its Halloween celebration and see the museum in a whole new light, with two scary nights of Halloween fun. Choose from either a “Spooky Carousel” for younger guests or venture into the Haunted Hangars, where visitors can see, hear and experience what’s lurking in the shadows of the historic aircraft hangars at this time of year. The younger set can trick or treat through the Legend of Sleepy Hollow, with craft activities and unlimited rides on the festively decorated historic Nunley's Carousel.
Get ready to be spooked, Friday and Saturday, Oct. 23-24, 6-9 p.m. (for the kids) and 6-11 p.m. (for those who want some haunting) $10 or $15 for both events.
Find the Haunted Hangars at Cradle of Aviation Museum, Museum Row,
Garden City. (516) 572-4111 or www.cradleofaviation.org.

Ghostly Gala
Long Island Children’s Museum opens its doors for its annual Ghostly Gala. Families are encouraged to visit the museum in their most creative and dazzling costumes.
Don’t worry about a goody bag, LICM staff will help guests decorate their own to go trick-or-treating in the Museum’s galleries. The mood will be set with creepy music throughout the museum. Get your face painted and make some spooky craft projects like “flying bat puppets,” and “witches britches.” Even meet “Stellaluna,” the beloved character from Jannell Cannon’s childhood classic.
If you’re brave enough, stop by the creepy café to touch, feel and even taste different creepy items – in the dark! Don’t forget to catch a show with the Bat Conservancy and meet bats from around the world.
The event, now in its eighth year, lets families celebrate Halloween in a fun, safe and spooky (not scary) way. The only warning required – buy tickets beforehand. The event consistently sells out. No tickets will be sold at the door.
Be part of the fun on Saturday, Oct. 24, 6- 9 p.m. $9, bat show tickets are $4. Visit LICM on Museum Row, Garden City. (516) 224-5802.

Twilight Pumpkin Spectacular
Nassau County Museum of Art celebrates the season once again as its 145-acre property is enlivened with a dazzling display of thousands of illuminated jack o’ lanterns. Eerie music and sound effects add to the mysterious merriment as hand-carved pumpkins, arranged by theme, bring delightful surprises at each meandering pathway.
This year, storyteller Jonathan Kruk visits with some spooky stories to be enjoyed by all.
See the one-of-a-kind pumpkin display, Friday through Sunday, Oct. 30-Nov. 1, 6-9:30 p.m. Tickets are sold for timed entry; advance ticket sales only. $14 adults and seniors, $7 children 12 and under.
Find the pumpkins at Nassau Museum of Art, 1 Museum Dr., Roslyn Harbor.
(516) 484-9338, ext. 16 or www.nassaumuseum.com.