A Jack-o-lantern sits in the Marchiori Pavilion on a spooky October night / Photo Courtesy of Kelsey Purcell
BY KELSEY PURCELL, FEATURES EDITOR
There are a lot of ways to celebrate Halloween and get into the festive spirit, especially in the Southern Tier of New York. Here are some activities to try near St. Bonaventure University.
Lorelei Kelley, a junior adolescent education and history major, said her favorite part of Bonaventure during the fall is watching the leaves change colors.
“I especially love to see the ivy on Deveraux Hall change from green to red,” she said.
For anyone like Kelley who is in the mood to get exercise while taking in the fall weather and to appreciate the nature of the changing leaves and the autumnal colors, taking a hike is the way to go. The leaves on the trees of the Allegheny River Valley Trail surrounding St. Bonaventure University’s campus have changed colors. There are many local parks in the area that are full of nature and scenic views. Rock City Park in Olean has gigantic rock formations to explore and Allegany State Park in Salamanca has two lakes to enjoy.
Grab some friends and visit a pumpkin patch. Pumpkinville in Great Valley is open until Oct. 31. They offer pumpkins, squash, gourds and even corn. They have pumpkins in a variety of different shapes, sizes, colors and textures. Not only are there pumpkins, but they also sell fall treats. Try some apple cider, pumpkin donuts, ice cream and more. There is a corn maize, farm animals and many other activities to keep kids entertained at Pumpkinville. Admission is $15.50 for the Barnyard Blast Pass and $23.30 for the Hog Wild Combo.
After a trip to a pumpkin patch, consider decorating those pumpkins for an additional Halloween touch. Carving pumpkins with Jack-O-Lantern faces, famous people in pop culture or even writing Halloween wishes are potential ideas. If carving is too much of a hassle, painting pumpkins could be the way to go.
For anyone who is up for a scare, go to a haunted hayride or haunted house. Venture out to Ellicottville and visit Nightmare Hayrides on Sommerville Street. They offer a 25 minute tractor ride that leads down a path littered with live creepy creatures. The cost of admission is $25 and that covers access to all of the haunted attractions, including a haunted maze, haunted barn and a haunted cookshack. The last day to attend is Oct. 30.
Get cozy and have Halloween themed treats while watching a movie. Halloween candy, apple cider and pizza are some options to feed friends. Staying in with friends could be a relaxing option.
Dressing up and wearing a costume is another way to get in the Halloween spirit. There are many creative ways to go with costumes this year. Sticking with the pop culture route, movie characters from “Top Gun: Maverick,” “Elvis” and “Don’t Worry Darling,” may be popular.
To celebrate Halloween on campus there is a Halloween party in the Great Room of the McGinley-Carney Center for Franciscan Ministries at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 31. There will be a costume contest, photo area, trivia, murder mystery game and food and drinks at the event.
There are many ways to make the best of the end of the fall season. Consider trying some of these suggestions to make the most of fall and to get into the Halloween spirit.
purcelkr20@bonaventure.edu
