The Halloween Scene

We’ve got you covered for the ultimate Halloween celebration

Whether you are looking for a spooky affair or a family-friendly evening, Ark Magazine has all the Halloween events covered to provide the community with the ultimate, unforgettable All Hallows’ Eve celebration. From haunted houses and ghost stories, to pumpkin patches and parades, the entire week of Halloween is filled with entertainment for all ages.

Because Halloween falls on a Wednesday this year, there are a variety of events happening the entire week leading up to it. Festive fun kicks off with the Darkside of Salida, presented by Salida Walking Tours, featuring an hour-long presentation every evening through the historical streets of Salida with stories of ghosts, lynchings and even the tale of Salida’s only serial killer. Other frightening escapades that provide insight into the mysterious side of the valley include movies at the historic Comanche Drive In, ghost stories and even haunted houses.

For its annual makeover, the Turner Farm and Apple Orchard in Buena Vista is offering Nightmare at Turner Farm by transforming the early-1900s restored apple orchard into a hellacious property filled with even more monsters, zombies and fright than last year.

Executive Director of the BV Heritage museum Kiki Lathrop is a part of the action for the nightmare tours. “I’m most excited to see all the new spooky scenes! This year will be an improved set-up and has new scares with some old friends too. I was a guide last year and got a few gasps and screams in; I am looking forward to how great this year will be.”

Perhaps a more inviting event for all ages will be the pumpkin carving activities at Soulcraft Brewing and Vino Salida as well as the long-standing annual pumpkin patch community gathering in Leadville. For the first time, the Leadville event will be held at the newly restored Freight building and provide a place for a sugar-free-themed holiday with games, activities, costumes and face painting. Along with the fun agenda there will be a bake sale and raffle to raise proceeds for early childhood outdoor educational opportunities.

“For my parents, owners Nan and Dave Anderson, their favorite community event is the pumpkin patch, so to be able to provide this neutral gathering space for the community and be a part of this event really brings their passionate idea full circle,” said Elsa Tharp, the “Party Priestess” or director of Freight.

Even after Halloween is over the celebration continues with Salida’s Dia de los Muertos parade bringing culture and the heartfelt memories of lost loved ones together for an all-encompassing affair. Beginning at 3 p.m. on Nov. 2, the three creators of the annual affair, Krista Jarvis, Kat Clapp and Andrea Mossman, invite people to come and get dressed up together in traditional Day of the Dead garb. The parade kicks off at 6 p.m. at Alpine Park on Salida’s F Street and eventually makes its way to Mo Burrito for a potluck dinner with a traditional soup and bread donated by the restaurant hosts. They’ll also have a community altar where they encourage folks to bring copies of photos, poems, etc., in remembrance of those who are gone but not forgotten.

“This is a real family celebration that helps teach us, our kids and community how to grieve and also keep it all together with a loving spirit. It is such a unique event that we all kind of have our own reasons for celebrating, and they change every year with how it grows and through the shared dispersion of grief that happens through time,” said Mossman, who’s been a motivator behind the event since its debut five years ago.

For more information about any of these events, check out the Ark Magazine calendar. No matter the type of Halloween you’re looking for, the valley is sure to have an affair to be remembered.