By Mark Ambrogi
For the fourth year, Conner Prairie will transform into Conner Scarie for 12 nights in October. It just won’t be too scary.
“We’re very family friendly compared to some of the gorier Halloween experiences,” said Chris Petrelli, Conner Prairie director of programs. “You’re going to find skeletons and ghouls and monsters, but we try to keep it toned down so most members of the family are going to enjoy themselves. Sometimes the hayride can be scary for little kids. We don’t always recommend that, but every child is different. There’s not any gory. People will jump out at you from time to time.”
Conner Scarie runs Oct. 13 to Oct. 30 on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. The hours are 6 to 9 p.m., but everyone in line by 9 p.m. will ride the hayride. On opening night, the Bicentennial Torch Relay will go through Conner Prairie. Gates will open at 5:30 p.m. and the torch is expected to arrive at 6 p.m.
The Headless Horseman haunted hayride is typically the main attraction, Petrelli said.
“It’s basically an alternate universe of fun-loving ghouls and monsters that occupy Conner Scarie and vie for the loves and affections of the guests that come in order to be voted the next mayor of Conner Scarie,” Petrelli said. “It’s a way for guests to pick their favorite monster and then go ahead and try to get the person voted the mayor.”
Petrelli said a Scarecrow Trail was introduced in 2015.
“This year we’ll be amping that up a little more,” he said. “We’ll be adding some more frights into the equation. There will be a scare-free time frame. Then once it gets dark, the Scarecrow Trail will be a little bit creepier for those that are more daring.”
There is a new show for Beautisha, who shares the stories of how her makeup and cosmetics have helped the various monsters of Conner Scarie. The show becomes a glow-in-the-dark puppet show.
“It’s a really cool effect that I think our families will really enjoy,” Petrelli said.
Ed, the mad scientist, has a new show, called “Ed’s Energy Extravaganza.”
“He has some cool science experiments that will delight people, all related to ghosts,” Petrelli said.
For ticket prices and more information, visit connerprairie.org.
