Halloween Events in HoCo
Bobby Smith '22 Staff Writer
As autumn sets in, people may already be thinking about what to do for the Halloween season. The Covid-19 pandemic resulted in the cancellation of many events for the past two years, so this year’s Halloween events are expecting more participation. Numerous activities are being held in Maryland this October, and precautions are being taken to prevent the spread of Covid-19.
In Old Ellicott City, ghost tours will be held in October. A ghost tour is essentially a visit and tour around a reportedly haunted location. As of now there are two ghost tours being held in Old Ellicott City. They are called “Mt. Misery Ghost Walk” and “Haunted Main Street.” According to Howard County’s tourism website, Mt. Misery Ghost Walk will meet up at the Museum of Howard County, located at 8328 Court Ave. Ellicott City MD. The website recommends that the tour be taken by guests 16 years old or older. It also states that each tour will be limited to ten people, who must wear masks and social distance to prevent the spread of Covid-19. Haunted Main Street requires the same precautions be taken. Both will require reservation to take the tour and will refund tickets if they get cancelled.
In Washington DC, an event known as the Halloween Hunt is being held on October 13th from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM at the Mansion on O & O Street Museum. This event will basically be a scavenger hunt for Halloween themed items in the mansion. What makes the mansion so special is its maze-like interior, boasting one hundred rooms and seventy secret doors. According to the description of the event on eventbrite.com, one will surely find at least sixty of the rooms. Precautions to prevent the spread of Covid-19 include the requirement to wear masks inside, the touch-less entry, the providing of hand sanitizer throughout the mansion, and the promotion of social distancing. Beyond precautions to stop the spread of Covid-19, the description of the event also states that individuals under the age of seventeen must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
In Old Ellicott City, ghost tours will be held in October. A ghost tour is essentially a visit and tour around a reportedly haunted location. As of now there are two ghost tours being held in Old Ellicott City. They are called “Mt. Misery Ghost Walk” and “Haunted Main Street.” According to Howard County’s tourism website, Mt. Misery Ghost Walk will meet up at the Museum of Howard County, located at 8328 Court Ave. Ellicott City MD. The website recommends that the tour be taken by guests 16 years old or older. It also states that each tour will be limited to ten people, who must wear masks and social distance to prevent the spread of Covid-19. Haunted Main Street requires the same precautions be taken. Both will require reservation to take the tour and will refund tickets if they get cancelled.
In Washington DC, an event known as the Halloween Hunt is being held on October 13th from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM at the Mansion on O & O Street Museum. This event will basically be a scavenger hunt for Halloween themed items in the mansion. What makes the mansion so special is its maze-like interior, boasting one hundred rooms and seventy secret doors. According to the description of the event on eventbrite.com, one will surely find at least sixty of the rooms. Precautions to prevent the spread of Covid-19 include the requirement to wear masks inside, the touch-less entry, the providing of hand sanitizer throughout the mansion, and the promotion of social distancing. Beyond precautions to stop the spread of Covid-19, the description of the event also states that individuals under the age of seventeen must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
WASHINGTON DC, 1 JUNE 2019- The Mansion on O & O Street Museum looms over O Street in Washington DC. On October 13th, a scavenger hunt called the Halloween Hunt will take place here. R. COOPER/TRIPSAVVY
An art studio in Howard County called Pinot’s Palette is offering a Halloween themed painting session on October 31 from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM. According to the website owned by Pinot’s Palette, the event will be a “fun twist on Van Gogh’s Starry Night.” The website also states that the paint being used is non-washable so outfits should be planned accordingly. Like the other events mentioned, precautions will be taken to prevent the spread of Covid-19. While virtual parties can host 400 people, only 16 people will be allowed to be physically inside the studio at a time. Masks are required and anyone who forgot a mask will be offered complimentary masks. Chairs, tables, and paintbrushes are sanitized after every class, and social distancing will be in effect.
Howard County Recreation & Parks is offering a haunted hayride event. A ride called the Haunted Experience will be held on Fridays and Saturdays starting on October 15, and will be held at Rockburn Branch Park on Montgomery Road. It will be open from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM. It is recommended for people 7 years old or older. Each ride will cost 10 dollars per person, will require that masks be worn to participate and could be cancelled due to inclement weather.