Press Kit

Good News from Mt Washington Valley, NH – September 15, 2015

Contact:  Marti Mayne, 207-846-6331, PR@mtwashingtonvalley.org

Family Friendly Halloween in Mt Washington Valley

North Conway, NH -- From over-the-top scary to simply sweet and fun, families can find something for everyone’s Halloween hilarity level.  And while it’s hardly scary, the season starts out with plenty of fall pumpkins, apples and family fun at the Fryeburg Fair, October 4 – 11, Maine’s Blue Ribbon Fair filled with rides, crafts, exhibits, live entertainment, fair food, and tons of animals. 

While spooks are certainly part of the fun, no need to leave the faint-of-spooks kids home during Halloween season in Mt Washington Valley.  The calendar is packed with fun for the whole family, so get into the spirit this Halloween with everything from pumpkins to popcorn.

Fridays & Saturdays, September 25-October 31:  Enjoy the Ghoullog and Haunted Playground at Cranmore Mountain Resort, North Conway: Now in its 9th season, Cranmore Mountain Resort is transformed into a haunted hallowed ground, offering something for every level of tolerance for the spookiness of the season. The Ghoullog is a 60 minute haunt featuring over 15,000 square feet of indoor space through a series of dark rooms, scary mazes and unknown places, plus an outdoor element which leads the unsuspecting through the dark woods with all of the scares and screams you’ve come to expect. This haunted house is not for the faint of heart, and is best suited for the older kids.  However, the Haunted Playground (Cranmore Adventure Center transformed into a Halloween theme) offers plenty of tamer Halloween family fun.  Go for a ride in the Haunted Playground, featuring the Mountain Coaster, Giant Swing and Soaring Eagle Zip line. All Haunted Playground rides offer a unique night-time experience with special lighting, effects and the occasional ghost or ghoul when you least expect it. Age, height and weight restrictions apply – view them here.  For complete information on the Ghoullog and Haunted Playground, go to http://www.cranmore.com/ghoullog/.

October 1-31:  Return of the Pumpkin People Self-Guided Tour throughout Mt Washington Valley, NH: Each year, a highlight of foliage season is "The Return of the Pumpkin People"now in its 28th year.  Businesses throughout Mt. Washington Valley create whimsical displays of pumpkin people; the only requirement being that the heads are made of pumpkins.  Take a self-guided tour of the pumpkin people and vote on your favorite from Oct 1-31, 2015. Twenty of the pumpkin people will be located at Settlers Green Outlet Village. The kids will love the whimsical pumpkin people, and Mom and Dad will be amazed the creativity of the displays. Maps available at participating properties and online at www.JacksonNH.com.

October 17 & October 24:  Silly, Spooky Halloween Extravaganza at Santa’s Village, Jefferson, NH: Celebrating its 6th season, Santa’s Village will be open 11am to 5pm with plenty of family Halloween fun.  Santa is busy during this time, but the Silly Nilly Witch of the North is here stirring her own spooky brew. The entire Santa’s Village Park will be transformed into a magical Halloween adventure. There are "spooky" areas for the older children; some "fun" areas for the younger goblins. Shops cater to the Trick or Treaters, and it's much more fun if you arrive in costume. Even the Silly Helpers are dressed for the occasion. Admission for the entire day is $25.00 per person including all the rides and festivities for the day. Last ticket will be sold two hours before closing. Sorry, "Return Passes" are not offered during this event. Info: http://www.santasvillage.com/public/seasons_and_events/events/halloween.cfm.

October 16, 17, 18:  All Aboard the Pumpkin Patch Express, North Conway: During this weekend, kids of all ages will enjoy riding the Conway Scenic Railroad, not just for the train ride.  On October 16, 17 and 18th special Halloween trains will go to the "Pumpkin Patch" in nearby Glen, NH.  Each child will have the opportunity to select a pumpkin, and costumes are encouraged. Info: www.conwayscenic.com/events/event/pumpkin-patch-express/.

October 23-25: New England Invitational Pumpkin Carving Contest, Jackson, NH: Watch artists take regular pumpkins or gourds and carve them into something amazing in Jackson Village Park. The sculptors have from noon on Friday until 7:00pm on Saturday to carve unusual displays using 10 to 15 pumpkins.  Don’t miss the "Lighting of the Pumpkins" at 7:30pm on Saturday in the Park and vote for People's Choice winner.  The First place winner will receive a Jackson Area Vacation Package valued at more than $500 and the  People's Choice winner will receive a $100 worth of dining experiences in Jackson.  The fun doesn’t stop there.  On Sunday from 10:00am to noon, meet the sculptors in the park to try pumpkin painting, pumpkin rolling, T-shirt making and more.  Info: Click here.

October 24:  Halloween Town at Purity Spring Resort, East Madison, NH: On October 24, the rustic cabins at the Purity Spring Resort’s Camp Tohkomeupog will be theatrically transformed, each with its own theme, ranging from kid friendly to downright spooky. The cabins make up the Trick or Treat Trail, with over a half-mile of lighted pathways winding throughout the camp. Visitors to Halloween Town are invited to stop at each cabin and grab a Halloween surprise (candy and souvenirs). In addition to the Trick or Treat Trail, the event also features a kid carnival, petting farm, food court, tethered hot air balloon rides, and more!  This free event is made possible by the generous sponsors throughout the area. This special event benefits The Laura Foundation for Autism and Epilepsy. For info: http://halloweentownnh.thelaurafoundation.org.

October 24:  Trick or Treat at Settlers Green Outlet Village, North Conway, NH: There will be free Halloween treats for all costumed characters, and children ages 11 and under while supplies last. Look for the Orange Pumpkin signs in store fronts for participating stores or visit Customer Service for a list.  Info: http://settlersgreen.com/events/upcoming-events#49.

October 24, 25:  All Things Pumpkin Tour, Jackson, NH: Board the horse-drawn sleigh ride on wheels and start with a ride through the Jackson Covered Bridge, making five stops along the way where each rider receives a pumpkin treasure that consists of either a pumpkin edible or keepsake. The tour takes riders by more than 15 Return of the Pumpkin People business displays that can be seen from the sleigh. Rides leave on both Sat and Sun hourly starting at 11AM and last one leaves at 4 PM. $25 PP includes sleigh ride and treats. Info: http://www.jacksonnh.com/event/987/All-Things-Pumpkin-Tour.

October 30: Family Fall Festival and Kid’s Halloween Party at Bretton Woods Ski Resort, Bretton Woods, NH:  Bring the whole family for festive wagon rides, lawn games, bouncy houses, face painting, balloon twisting, music, food and more.  A highlight of the day is the Trunk-or-Treat event.  From 3:30 – 4:30 pm bring the car and host a “trunk” at this year’s Trunk-or-Treat. Prizes will be given out for “Best Theme," “Most Spooky” and “Most Original” trunks! Then from 5:00 – 7:30 pm families take part in Family “Trunk-or-Treat” line and Kids Costume Party. Take a seat in the festive wagon for a delightful ride, decorate your own pumpkin, or enjoy face painting and balloon twisting by Simplicity the Clown. Plus, a DJ with festive music, delicious treats and more await you at this Halloween party. This is a “Rain or Shine” event. Don’t forget that dressing up is part of the Halloween fun along with a walk through the haunted rental shop! From 7:30 – 8 pm take part in the Trunk-or-Treat “Best of Show” & Pumpkin Lighting. Afterward, join your fellow trunk-or-treat goers as they simultaneously light their pumpkins. Free to participate; some fees apply for food and wagon rides.  To pre-register to host a trunk or to get more information, please call the Bretton Woods Activities Team at (603) 278-3305. More info: http://brettonwoods.com/wickedwoods.

To plan your fall family getaway, visit www.MtWashingtonValley.org.  Here you’ll find a master list of events, plus accommodations, dining, shopping, entertainment info and much more.  To talk to a vacation concierge, simply call 1-800-367-3364 (800-DO-SEE-NH).  For more information on planning to New Hampshire go to www.VisitNH.gov.

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Photos available upon request.