Use this search box to find articles that have run in our newspapers over the last several years.
Date: 10/17/2023
AMHERST — The ghouls and goblins return to the Bangs Community Center on Sunday, Oct. 29 for the annual Halloween Spooktacular.
Becky Demling, outreach director for Amherst Recreation, said there are some new things in store this time around.
“We’re mixing it up a little bit this year,” Demling said. “We’re kind of updating and we have a new, interactive haunted house experience this year which we’re pretty excited about.”
Details of that new attraction are being kept a closely guarded secret for the time being, but returning are the traditional Halloween crafts and the Haunted Kiddie Carnival featuring an array of games for the children to play.
As for the Haunted House, Demling said there is a focus on the interactive.
“It’s not just a walk through,” she said. “They [the children] become part of the story of what’s happening in the room”.
At the same time, the library is hosting their Monster Mash Dance at the center, along with their “Not so scary story time,” something new is that the events are all happening simultaneously.
Yet another new point of interest for the kids this, a sensory friendly space to allow for some down time for those enjoying all the attractions.
Once again, children will be able to go trick or treating through downtown Amherst where participating businesses will welcome them.
The BID and Chamber of Commerce are partnering with the Recreation Department to sign up businesses as trick or treating locations. Specially decorated bags with a list of participating businesses will available for pick up at the Recreation Department office, and the Chamber of Commerce.
Volunteers from the Delta Chi fraternity at University of Massachusetts-Amherst will again be on hand to help out with the event.
The Halloween Spooktacular runs from 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. following the downtown trick or treating which will take place from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.
Admission for children 5 years old and up is $5 with accompanying adult guardians attending for free.