Halloween: not just for kids

One of the many things I love about living in the Catskills is the holidays. No matter where one lives, Christmas and Hanukkah never fail to get a lot of press, but here in the mountains, every holiday gets attention. I marvel at the decorations that abound at this time of year, long before the light-up Santas make their way to neighbor’s lawns.

As I travel throughout the region, I spy ghosts, ghouls and goblins peeking out from windows, hanging from trees and adorning store windows everywhere I turn. And the pumpkins... the pumpkins! Pumpkin festivals, parades and contests are rampant in the hills and I, for one, couldn’t be happier.

Big city life often gives short shrift to some of the “lesser” days of the year, but here in the Hudson Valley, every holiday is one to be honored, treasured and celebrated.

I’ve even gotten in on the act. Skulls and skeletons are scattered throughout my home and I’ve actually seen cars slow down to check out the festive additions.

Before relocating, it never even occurred to me to decorate my home for Valentines Day, or Thanksgiving, but since I’ve “come home,” the spirit moves me in ways I had not thought possible—and the best part is: it’s not just for kids anymore!

There are so many Halloween events happening, I can barely keep track. There are parades, costume contests, hay rides and “house of horror” tours ‘round every corner and I hope to get to many of them as I zip around in search of a good scare.

I’m definitely planning to swing by Mullaly’s Pub & Restaurant (4919 Main Street, Jeffersonville, NY) on Halloween night, as Sullivan County’s “Day To Be Gay” foundation kicks off the holiday season with their annual Drag-O-Ween bash. Dancing, pub food and what is promised to be a “Dragtastic” good time should be great fun, as it was last year. You don’t have to be gay (in my humble opinion) to know that these folks know how to throw a great party!

For brave souls who aren’t afraid of the dark, The Nutshell ( 6692 Route 52, Lake Huntington, NY) is preparing to scare the daylights out of patrons. This year’s theme is “Fear-Fest” and DJ “Boo” will be spinning platters to accompany the (optionally) costumed guests as they enjoy horror movies, video walls, dancing, drumming and creepy crawly snacks. The event benefits Damascus Citizens for Sustainability ( DamascusCitizens.org ).

For the slightly less adventurous, costumes are “strongly recommended” for the Halloween Ball at Bernie’s in Rock Hill. Sponsored by the Monticello Rotary Club, tickets will be sold at the door and one can RSVP this spooktacular by calling 917/517-8467.

Speaking of horrors, there is a guided Haunted House tour and hay ride awaiting those who dare this coming Friday to Sunday in Morningside Park in Fallsburg, NY. Sounds like fun for kids of all ages. For directions and information call 845/434-5877.

See page 24 for a listing of other spooky soirees.

After all of the candy is consumed and before the Thanksgiving festivities begin, on Sunday, November 1, the Liberty Free Theatre will host a program of “scary, satirical fables” by Polish author Slawomir Mrozek, followed by a performance from newcomer band “Crazy Cat Lady.” As always, admission is free, but reservations are strongly recommended, as the venue is always filled. For more info on this and other Liberty Free Theatre events, call 845/292-3788.

I’m just now putting the finishing touches on my Halloween decor, but everywhere I travel (and as you all know by now, I travel a lot), I see the neighborhoods festooned with inflatable witches and goblins, spider webs (eek) and bats galore, which serves to draw us all together in celebration of the approaching “All Hallows Eve.” I think I’m ready... are you?