News: Halloween in Hershey

Posted at 12:52 PM EDT (1652 GMT)

Sep. 16th, 2005 -- HERSHEY, PA - Looking for an “alternative” Halloween experience? Plan to visit Halloween in Hershey and experience your “sweetest” Halloween ever!
 
For three weekends-- October 14-16, 21-22, and 28-30 (Fridays 5-11 p.m., Saturdays 2-11 p.m., Sundays 2-10 p.m.)-- guests can experience a unique, high-energy family event that combines Hersheypark rides and family entertainment. Admission is free, just pay as you go for select rides and attractions; a “ride all day” wristband is available. A parking fee is charged.

New this year for guests 12 and younger is “Hershey’s Trick or Treat Town.”  Our “town” will feature eight different storefronts, including the Pet Shop that only sells black cats, the Sporting Goods Shop where the bats are the real flying kind, and the Fabric Shop selling only silk that is spun by spiders. At each of the stores, the trick or treaters will receive free Halloween candy or a treat.
 
Hersheypark in the Dark magically transforms the theme park into a colorful fall festival, complete with pumpkins and scarecrows. This year, nearly 50  rides (including all 10 of the Park’s roller coasters) are open, decorated, and re-named for the season. Ghost Runner (Storm Runner) and sooperBOOperLooper (sooperdooperLooper) will offer thrill seekers nighttime coaster rides to remember. Bats in the Belfry (Kissing Tower) and Raven Haven (Flying Falcon) will delight young and old alike.
 
A special after dark “Our Friends From the Sea” marine mammal presentation also will be presented. The entertaining and educational show features two Atlantic bottlenose dolphins and two California sea lions.
 
Guests also have the once-a-year opportunity to visit Creatures of the Night at ZooAmerica North American Wildlife Park after dark and view the nocturnal habits of more than 200 amazing animals. Creatures of the Night opens at 5 p.m. each evening and admission is charged. Don’t forget to bring your flashlights!
 
In addition, the 5th Annual Halloween Costume Contest will be held Sundays, October 16, 23 and 30 for children 12 and younger. Register online in advance (hersheypark.com) or the day of the contest on Tudor Bridge, just before the main gates of the Park, from 1:30- 2:30 p.m. The contest begins at 3 p.m. at the Music Box Theatre.
 
Halloween in Hershey packages and accommodations are available at The Hotel Hershey, the Hershey Lodge, and Hershey Highmeadow Campground. On October 29, The Hotel Hershey will offer “A Chilling Encounter with Poe,” featuring actor David Keltz, who portrays the mysterious American writer Edgar Allan Poe.  For reservations and information on Halloween in Hershey, please call 1-800-HERSHEY or visit www.Hersheypark.com.