The Henry Ford’s Hallowe’en Nights in Greenfield Village, a favorite outdoor October attraction, welcomes guests to its Oct. 7 opening with seasonal scarecrows in a harvest setting.
By SUE SUCHYTA
Times-Herald Newspapers
DEARBORN – The Henry Ford’s Hallowe’en Nights at Greenfield Village continues to be a seasonal favorite, and the drizzle opening night didn’t dampen anyone’s spirits.
The popular event, which runs Thursdays through Sundays through October, is sold out, which proves its appeal with THF members and guests.
From the colorfully costumed, friendly witches who greet guests at the entrance, to the less-congenial, silent grim reaper at the Ford Home pasture, one’s senses are treated at every turn, as costumed characters, spooky sound-effects, eerie lighting and theatrical fog set the tone throughout the village.
Along the way, jack-o-lanterns carved by THF employees and volunteers brighten the paths, while dancing skeletons in the gazebo glow surreally under a black light.
The Hallowe’en Express, one of two trains that circle the village, treats guests to a series of spooky vignettes during a 20-minute ride.
The Top Hat Side Show entertains with juggling, spinning fire, balancing acts and a witty repertoire, and provides the perfect excuse to purchase some frozen custard, which is sold nearby, to enjoy while watching the show.
Thirsty? Imagine finding a glowing plastic cube lighting up one’s drink.
Many youngsters convinced their grownups to purchase the popular soap bubble wands, and costumed children throughout the village left an enthusiastic trail of bubbles floating in their wake.
Alice in Wonderland, the Queen of Hearts and the Mad Hatter greeted guests as they held their brightly colored, delightful tea party along Main Street, and Little Red Riding Hood told her enraptured audience how she outwitted the wolf at the Luther Burbank birthplace. There is even an enchanting mermaid near the Suwanee Lagoon.
A wide range of treats, from cider and doughnuts, to caramel corn, chili and pumpkin pie, abound.
Many attendees donned creative costumes, and superheroes, characters from the Star Wars realm and storybook characters were popular choices.
Information about ticket sales for Holiday Nights, which runs select evenings in December, will be released soon. For more information, go to thehenryford.org.