Halloween happenings

Rumors of Halloween plans and playful pranks have been floating around for several weeks, and for the die-hards, even longer.

While some freaky fanatics for this frightening holiday will be out and about attempting to plan the wildest party of the decade, the majority of celebrators are simply looking to have a good time. It certainly comes as no surprise that Halloween is a favorite holiday to those in search of attention, a party, sweet treats, or most importantly, a scare.

This being said, there's got to be a few, just a few, excellent suggestions for what to fill your plans with on the night most notorious for haunting.

Perhaps one of the most popular events for the entire scaring season is the noted HalloWeekends at Cedar Point. Well-known for tickling all the true thrill-seekers out there, the annual occurrence is without a doubt a major crowd pleaser. With a slogan as corny, yet daunting, as "All you fear is here," the draw is obviously geared toward those who are brave at heart.

If you've never had the pleasure of experiencing the horror of this amusement park yourself, it's reviewed to be well worth the money. Secondhand accounts of horrified park-goers, including full-grown men, actually wetting themselves in fright are enough to keep a few nervous nellies away and keep even more coming back for another round of adrenaline.

Other big-ticket plans for Halloween and the days leading up to the holiday are constituted by a variety of hayrides, haunted houses, and corn mazes.

Often the least scary of the three, the hayride, is perfect for those who are anxious about being approached by monsters on foot. Sitting in a slow-moving wagon as infamous serial slashers predictably climb aboard in search of a scream is perfect when seated with a group of your giggling cohorts or underneath the arm of your sweetie.

In reference to an authentic hayride, the straw stuck to the butt of your jeans is just one more thing to look forward to as you hop off the ride in preparation for the night's next spooky endeavor.

Comparatively, haunted houses are generally not for the even semi-claustrophobic. The setting and lighting in these labyrinth-like corridors are both major attractions behind haunted houses. While these aspects are ideal for the chainsaw-wielding villains and ghouls waiting on the inside, for the one being waited upon, there is no escape.

In a similar sense, haunted corn mazes encourage a type of lost confusion that couldn't be duplicated in another scenario. The idea is absolutely ridiculous — to be scared out of your mind for pleasure — but let's face it, the surge of fear is almost empowering; particularly when you've gained your freedom, no longer whimpering at the hands of an unrelenting, masked beast.

An alternative to planned "haunted" events, pranks can certainly be one of the most entertaining happenings of an ominous evening. Walking into a haunted amusement park or some other spooky event is full of anticipation, but taking something into real-life generally ends up being simply hilarious. Pulling one over on one of your closest friends can be absolutely priceless. When done tactfully, creepy practical jokes are the basis of the trick behind "trick or treat."

Keep in mind the many options for having a ghastly great time this holiday season. Halloween is, after all, that one day where it's entirely acceptable to lose your inhibitions behind the safety of a mask and your own creativity.