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Spooky Fest celebrates 13 years of frights

The Center for Science, Teaching and Learning serves up scares to raise money for a cause

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Rockville Centre’s Spooky Fest is in full swing this October. Every Friday to Sunday during the month, people across Long Island attend the seasonal festivities at the Center for Science, Teaching and Learning at the Tanglewood Preserve.

This annual tradition is not only a highlight of the Halloween season, it’s also the nonprofit’s most significant fundraising effort of the year, with all proceeds dedicated to advancing STEM education for students along with providing essential care to their rescue animals.

Dr. Ray Ann Havasy, executive director of the center, emphasized the importance of the festival.

“We get so many visitors in the spring and summer, but not so much in the winter,” Havasy said. “This is our biggest fundraiser, and its funds help us to make sure our animals are okay and taken care of over the winter.”

Spooky Fest provides an array of attractions, ensuring thrills for both thrill-seekers and the entire family.

The “Haunted Woods Walk,” a quarter-mile trail through Tanglewood Preserve, allows participants to be met with jump scares from a variety of ghoulish characters including creepy monsters and zombie dinosaurs.

For those seeking a lighter experience, the “Mystic Garden Walk” provides a whimsical alternative.

This well-lit enchanted walk immerses families in a beautiful fantasy garden and features colorful Halloween displays.

Here, friendly characters — like butterflies, friendly ghosts, happy scarecrows, dinosaurs, aliens, Cinderella, and good witches — hand out candy, stickers, and other festive surprises to children.

In addition to these main attractions, Spooky Fest offers a wealth of activities designed to engage visitors of all ages.

Children can enjoy crafting sessions, face painting, fortune telling, and the popular glow-in-the-dark tent, where they can create their own slime. Classic Halloween hits play throughout the event, coupled with various food and toy vendors, adding to the festive atmosphere and creating a sense of community that keeps families coming back for the 13th annual Spooky Fest.

Spooky Fest is held every weekend in October at the Center’s Tanglewood Preserve, located at 1450 Tanglewood Road. The event runs from 6-9:30 p.m., rain or shine.

Tickets are available online or at the entrance tent, with prices set at $22 for access to non-scary attractions only and $27 for an all-inclusive ticket that includes the Haunted Woods Walk. Admission is required for all attendees aged two and older.

With its blend of fright and fun, Spooky Fest stands out as a community favorite, bringing families together while supporting a worthy cause.

“We welcome all attendees to enjoy the sights and sounds of the fall season and share their Halloween spirit with us,” Havasy said.

Be sure to join in the Halloween festivities before the month is over.