“The Day of the Dead” is right around the corner, and whether you are looking for a thrill or simply a way to enjoy the festivities, there is sure to be plenty of Halloween activity on and around campus. So make this holiday a memorable one!
Those of you seeking to spend your time helping around the community this year may be interested in Panhellenic Council’s new event, the Illini Monster Mash, which benefits kids in the community. The Monster Mash will be set up at a variety of campus locations, including the Illini Union and several sorority chapter houses near the quad. At each location, kids ages 4-12 will participate in trick-or-treating and other fun Halloween games and activities. Volunteers are needed to lead the children around campus and to help with the activities at each location!
My personal favorite way to celebrate Halloween is to jump right into the action and embrace the spirit of the season by visiting a haunted house. But just a warning to the faint-hearted: these attractions tend to be extremely over-the-top, gory, and adrenaline-packed. The Fear Factory in Rantoul is one of the most well-known haunted houses in the Champaign-Urbana area. Since its opening in 1999, this haunted house’s popularity has been growing. According to many visitors, the attractions have only gotten better with time and this year they are even haunting in 3D! The Fear Factory is open weekends until October 31st, although hours may vary. General admission is only $10 and there are coupons available on the website! (http://fearfactoryrantoul.com/ ) Special group rates are also available upon reguest. It’s a great way to celebrate Halloween with friends and experience the true element of fright.
But don’t forget that Halloween isn’t just about the scares, it’s also a celebration of Fall! If you are looking for a more subtle way to celebrate this October holiday, Curtis Apple Orchard & Pumpkin Patch is the perfect place to go. Beginning in late September and lasting through the month of October, you can pick your own pumpkins, squash, and gourds right from the patch! Enjoy a relaxing day embracing the beautiful autumn season!