Trick-or-Treaters

Oct. 13-14

Streets of the historic village will be filled with young ghosts, goblins and probably more than a few Harry Potters as Genesee Country Village & Museum presents An American Halloween—a celebration of one of the world’s oldest holidays—on Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 13 and 14.

While there will be the traditional day-long trick-or-treating throughout the historic village each day, families can also enjoy parties, patterned after the earliest community observances of the holiday in this country, complete with recitations, singing, dancing, hauntingly-good traditional 19th-century story telling (for older children) and games.

Less spooky storytelling and songs are available for younger children.

Spider Boy

The uproarious tradition of the Magic Lantern Theater shows—the forerunner of today’s cinema—will be recreated with authentic 19th-century projectors and slides. The usual rousing audience participation—clapping, stomping, cheering and singing— is always included.

Children are also invited to search the museum’s pumpkin patch for that perfect pumpkin. They also will have a chance to decorate their pumpkins in a special pumpkin-painting area. There will be a small fee for all pumpkin activities.

Trick-or-treating begins at 10 a.m. each day. Other activities are scheduled throughout the afternoon.

	Forest Creature

Bring the whole family for this daytime guided woodland tour on Oct. 27-28 to meet some talking forest “animals” as they dispel some of the myths and misperceptions surrounding them. Enjoy storytelling , children’s activities and more.

And for those wishing to dabble in the peculiar vexations of Halloween past, there is a series of chilling scenarios in the 19th-century Halloween tour called Spirits of the Past. On Oct. 26-27, the tour-goers will visit scenes of horror and superstition. The tour has been extended to two evenings because of its popularity—it's been sold out the past two years.

The guided tours depart every 15 minutes between 6 and 9 p.m. Because of the content, this program is not suggested for children under 10. Cost is $12/$10 members. Reservations are required.