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Halloween Happenings

September 23, 2009

All across the state a variety of celebrations will mark “Hallow Even.” Besides the usual merrymaking and playing of pranks by children, there are concerts and special events at attractions that provide scary and not-so-scary alternatives to celebrate the occasion.

Busch Gardens’ Howl-O-Scream 2009
Tampa

September 25 &; 26,
October 1-3, 8-10, 15-17, 22-24 and 29-31

Busch Gardens’ Howl-O-Scream event returns for another season; with evil on its mind. Adding one more horrific night of sheer mental madness, guests will run for cover, scream for help and hope they see the light of dawn for 17 horror-filled nights this year. The fear takes root Friday, September 25 and runs selected dates through Saturday, October 31.

Howl-O-Scream themed food and merchandise will be available throughout the park. Howl-O-Scream unleashes its voodoo spirit, Friday and Saturday, September 25 & 26 in its Freaky Preview and continues on selected Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights. Experience Howl-O-Scream Freaky Preview Nights and Thursdays 7:30 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. and Fridays & Saturdays 7:30 p.m. to 2 a.m.

Entrance to Howl-O-Scream, Busch Gardens

Entrance to Howl-O-Scream, Busch Gardens

SeaWorld’s Halloween Spooktacular 2009
Orlando

October 3 & 4, 10 & 11, 17 & 18, 24 & 25, 30 & 31

Halloween meets the sea during SeaWorld Orlando’s underwater “fantasea” where youngsters trick-or-treat among friendly sea witches, octopuses, mermaids, pumpkin fish and more. The festivities are included in park admission and begins at 12:00 p.m. each day.

Spooktacular highlights include Trick-or-Treat Sea Sweets at several different treasure stations throughout the park, Frozen Fun Zone and strolling entertainment. | Details |

Guavaween and Guavaween Family FunFest 2009
Ybor City

Saturday - October 31

This Latin-style celebration is held each year in Tampa’s historic Ybor City which is known more for its cigars than its guavas. The legendary story behind the celebration is as much fun as the celebration itself.

Long ago, Tampa pioneer Gavino Gutierrez tried to cultivate guava commercially, but was unsuccessful. However, it is noted that a local newspaper columnist was successful in planting the idea that if New York is the “Big Apple,” then it follows that Tampa must be the “Big Guava.” So, for seventeen years the mythical Mama Guava has lead her followers in the Mama Guava Stumble Parade.

This huge street party draws more than 100,000 people. The all day fun for all ages fills the streets between 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Party goers not only enjoy the parade, but a costume party and concerts. After 3:00 p.m. Mama Guava welcomes her adult revelers and the party last long into the wee hours of the morning. So, take the “bore” out of Ybor City and join the celebration!

To join the festivities take I-275 to I-4 east or I-75 to I-4 west. Exit I-4 at 21st Street (Exit #1 South) or take the Lee Roy Selmon (Crosstown) Expressway to 22nd Street (Exit #9 North).

A Disney Halloween!

A Disney Halloween

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party 2009
Disney World - Magic Kingdom

September 4, 11, 15, 18, 22, 25 & 29
October 1, 2, 6, 8, 9, 12, 13, 15, 18, 20, 22, 23, 25, 27, 29 & 31
November 1

Special ticketed event at Disney World’s Magic Kingdom that features “Mickey’s Boo-to-You Halloween Parade,” Mickey’s Mouse-Ka-Rade costume parties, Halloween storytelling, live shows and a special Halloween-themed fireworks display above Cinderella Castle. Families enjoy a complimentary photo, unlimited use of the attractions and opportunities to trick-or-treat throughout the theme park.

Universal Studios’ 2009 Halloween Horror Nights
Orlando

Sept 25 & 26
October 1-4, 8-11, 15-18, 21-25 and 28-31

Universal Orlando celebrates Halloween Horror Nights at both theme parks again this year. Get ready to experience gut-wrenching scares and blood-curdling frights… some so gruesome and so shocking, you will wish it was only a movie.

There promises to be more haunted houses, hideous new creatures and inescapable scare zones to make you scream.

Event hours are 6:30 p.m. to 2 a.m. Friday and Saturday nights, 6:30 p.m. until midnight all other event nights. No costumes allowed. This event may be too intense for young children.

Universal Studios takes movie classics

Universal Studios takes movie classics

Fright Nights
Silver Springs - Ocala

October 2, 3, 9, 10, 16, 17, 23, 24, 30 & 31

The Ocala Jaycees’ 38th Annual Fright Nights, held at the Silver Springs attraction are sure to provide attendees plenty of frightfull fun. When the sun goes down, the Haunted Mansion, Terror Island, Creature Features, Psycho Panther Prowl and “Gator Man” river Cruise at Ft. King Waterway are just a few of the terror-filled activities that await unsuspecting guests. Held Friday and Saturday nights from 7:00 to 11:00 p.m.

Zoo Boo 2009
Lowry Park Zoo - Tampa

September 25 & 26 (Preview nights)
October 2-3, 9-11, 15-18, 22-25, 28-31

Many animals at the Lowry Park Zoo will be decked out for the festivities when Lowry Park Zoo presents Zoo Boo. The special event features haunted houses including the Little Tyke Boo House and spooky game yard. All regular rides and attractions will be open 7:00 to 11:00 p.m. (Friday and Saturday dates) and 7:00 to 10:00 (Sunday through Thursday dates) for one low price.

Besides the three haunted houses, in the past, Zoo Boo has included such fun as the Friendly Boneyard Maze, the Grinning Ghostwalk, and Creepy Crawlers Lane. Goulish Games of Eyeball Throw, Frog Guts Toss, and Air Head are available for an additional charge.

This event is great fun for small children!

22nd Annual Spooktacular
Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens - Jacksonville

October 22-25, 29-31

A great kid-friendly annual event featuring live entertainment, music, bounce houses, face painting and so much more. Children are encouraged to wear costumes and stop by treat-stations location throughout the zoo. 6:30 to 9:00 p.m.

Gorilla Pumpkin

Gorilla Pumpkin

Halloween Haven 2009 Flamingo Gardens - Davie

October 30 & 31

There will be chills and thrills for children in the haunted house in the Gallery at Flamingo Gardens from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. daily. The haunt is recommended for children up to 11 years of age. Classic favorites also will be shown at the Flamingo Fright Film Fest from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Half price admission ($8.50 for ages 12 and up and $4.25 for children 4-11) will include the botanical gardens, animal exhibits, wildlife encounter shows and historic Wray Home, as well as the haunted house. Tour by tram is extra. Parking is free.

MetroBoo!
Miami Metrozoo - Miami

October 30 & 31

This kid-approved, family-friendly event will feature trick-or-treating, costume contests, music, animal encounters and more each day from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

There are Halloween Events happening all of these days in October.


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Here’s a list of all the places recommended above and there is a map with directions and pinpoints below:

Busch Gardens Howl-O-Scream 2009
Busch Gardens
Tampa, FL
SeaWorld’s Halloween Spooktacular 2009
7007 SeaWorld Dr.
Orlando, FL
(800) 327-2424
Guavaween and Guavaween Family FunFest 2009
Ybor City, FL
Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party 2009
Magic Kingdom
Orlando, FL
Universal Studios’ 2009 Halloween Horror Nights
Universal Studios
Orlando, FL
Fright Nights
Silver Springs Nature Park
5656 E. Silver Springs Blvd.
Silver Springs, FL 34488
22nd Annual Spooktacular
Jacksonville Zoo
370 Zoo Pkwy
Jacksonville, FL 32218-5799
(904) 757-4463
Halloween Haven 2009
Flamingo Gardens
3750 S. Flamingo Rd
Davie, FL 33330
(954) 473-2955
MetroBoo!
Miami Metrozoo
12400 SW 152nd St
Miami, FL 33177-1402
(305) 251-0400
Zoo Boo 2009
Lowry Park Zoo
Tampa, FL 33604


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