For many West Virginians, Halloween remains in question. For weeks, children and adults across the state have been wondering what lies in store for trick-or-treating, and other holiday-themed events.
As Governor Jim Justice has stated he would prefer for local communities to make those decisions, many towns and cities have begun to do just that. While Beckley has opted to forego trick-or-treating this year, other areas, such as Lewisburg and White Sulphur Springs intend to allow the traditional holiday activity from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Halloween night.
In fact, as of now, all of Greenbrier County has plans to move ahead with trick-or-treating in one form or another. Rainelle, Ronceverte, Alderson, Rupert and Renick will also allow trick-or-treating between the hours of 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. It is recommended that children only visit homes that they are familiar with, and only those with their porch lights turned on. And, of course, all health and safety guidelines of social distancing should be followed.
Trick-or-treating is not the only seasonal activity that has been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Other fall favorites including haunted houses, pumpkin picking and hayrides have all been forced to make the difficult decision between opening up and remaining closed for the season. But for those still choosing to head out into the dark October nights in search of ghosts and ghouls, there are still several Halloween events happening around the area.
The West Virginia Renaissance Festival is hosting their Haunted Hollow Hills Hay Wagon Ride at the festival grounds in Lewisburg. Weather permitting, the event will be held every Friday, Saturday and Sunday evening in October. The Haywagon travels over a section of the original Midland Trail, the route once used by Mary Jane Heaster as she traveled to the Lewisburg Courthouse in search of justice for her daughter, Zona Heaster (The Greenbrier Ghost). The hay wagon ride costs $5 per person, and is suitable for all ages.
On Friday, October 23 and Saturday, October 24, the Greenbrier Historical Society and North House Museum will be hosting An Evening in the Cemetery at the Old Stone Church in Lewisburg. Small groups will be taken on a guided tour of both the Old Stone Cemetery and the Dick Pointer Cemetery, and treated to the tales of life and death of several notable area-residents. The Friday night tour begins at 6 p.m. and the Saturday-night tour begins at 7 p.m. Tickets are $30 each, and available at checkout.xola.com.
Inclusive Soul, in Hillsdale, will be hosting their Spooktacular Party Halloween Happening on Wednesday, October 28, at 9 p.m. The event will feature food, drinks, music and prizes. And be sure to wear your spookiest costume for a chance to win the costume contest.
CW’s Corn Maze features a haunted corn maze to get lost in, a barrel train for the little ones to ride on, a corn box to play in, a petting zoo and many other games. There will also be pumpkins, corn stalks and mums available for purchase. The event is open weekends through October. And on Saturday nights between 7 p.m. and 9 p.m., the corn maze becomes a flashlight maze. CW’s Corn Maze is located off of Route 66 near Cass in Pocahontas County.
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