Spooky Season arrives across the Thumb
SANILAC COUNTY — Halloween is creeping closer, and the spooky season is in full swing across the Thumb.
From haunted historic villages and paranormal investigations to pumpkin-season activities, library programs, author talks and family-friendly trick-or-treat events, there are plenty of ways to celebrate between Oct. 14 and Halloween:
Here is a roundup of events taking place in Sanilac County, Imlay City, Yale and Capac.
Hocus Pocus Escape Room in Capac (Oct. 19-22)
Fans of witches, spells and Hocus Pocus can try to escape the Sanderson Sisters’ curse at the Capac Library.
When: Oct. 19-22, noon-4:30 p.m.
Where: Capac Library, 111 N. Main St., Capac
Cost: Free
Participants have 30 minutes to solve clues and magical puzzles before the spell becomes permanent. Reservations are required for a 30-minute time slot.
Go Batty in Capac (Oct. 21)
For those who prefer their Halloween education with a little natural history, the Capac Library will host Bats of Michigan.
When: Wednesday, Oct. 21, 6-7 p.m.
Where: Capac Library, 111 N. Main St., Capac
Cost: Free
Seven Ponds Nature Center will discuss Michigan’s bats, their role in the ecosystem and how residents can help protect them.
Light Up the Night in Yale (Oct. 24)
Trinity Missionary Church in Yale will host Light Up the Night, an annual fall trunk-or-treat event.
When: Saturday, Oct. 24, 4-6 p.m.
Where: Trinity Missionary Church, 304 North St., Yale
Cost: Free
The family event includes trunk-or-treating, a light dinner, arts and crafts, cider and donuts.
Paranormal Investigation in Port Sanilac (Oct. 24)
For those who prefer their Halloween with a serious dose of the paranormal, the Sanilac County Historic Village & Museum will host Paranormal Investigations with Detroit Paranormal Expeditions.
When: Saturday, Oct. 24
Sessions: 7-9 p.m. and 9:30-11:30 p.m.
Where: 228 S. Ridge St., Port Sanilac
Cost: $65 general admission; $50 for Sanilac County Historical Society members
The investigation takes participants into the 1870s Loop-Harrison Mansion and other historic buildings after dark. Participants will investigate in small groups using paranormal equipment including spirit boxes and cameras.
Participants must be at least 16. Those under 18 must have a parent or guardian.
Halloween Party at the Bruce Mansion (Oct. 24)
Brown City’s historic Bruce Mansion is offering a different kind of Halloween night.
When: Saturday, Oct. 24, 7-11 p.m.
Where: 5977 N. Van Dyke Road, Brown City
Cost: $35 per person
The Halloween party includes a DJ, costume contest, bonfire and BYOB. Attendance is limited to 120 guests.
Northstar Boo Bash in Capac (Oct. 31)
Families can get their Halloween fun started early at Northstar Martial Arts & Fitness Center’s Boo Bash, held before children head out for trick-or-treating.
When: Saturday, Oct. 31, 3-6 p.m.
Where: Northstar Martial Arts & Fitness Center, 108 S. Main St., Ste. B, Capac
Cost: $25 per child
Registration: Register and pay by Oct. 28
The three-hour Halloween event will include traditional Halloween games, face painting, Halloween snacks and treats, Hocus Pocus, spooky activities and plenty of Halloween fun.
Organizers will also provide trick-or-treating safety tips before children head out at 6 p.m.
Halloween in Port Sanilac (Oct. 31)
Port Sanilac will finish the month with its traditional Halloween festivities.
Halloween Truck-or-Treat and Golf Cart Parade begins at 5 p.m., followed by village trick-or-treating from 6-8 p.m.
Where: Behind the Port Sanilac Village Office for the 5 p.m. event; village-wide for trick-or-treating
Cost: Free
The Halloween night events give families an opportunity to gather with neighbors before heading out for traditional trick-or-treating.
More than just Halloween
Whether the preference is a family-friendly trunk-or-treat, a library escape room, a historical author presentation, a haunted village or a late-night paranormal investigation, the Thumb offers plenty of ways to celebrate the spooky season.
And for those who aren’t quite brave enough for the haunted trails?
There is always cider and donuts.
