Whether it is Halloween night or a regular evening with hopes of frightening fun, Tallahassee can provide a good scare through a variety of local activities. Traditionally, Halloween goers plan to party the night away dressed in costumes.
Charles Ruben, a junior chemistry student from Jacksonville, always gets into the spirit of zombies and costumes during this time of year. Ruben described his costume as the horror of all horrors.
“It’s definitely the best costume I’ve put together in all my years of celebrating and dressing up for this day,” Ruben said. “I know it’ll be fun, and I can’t wait to show it off to my friends.”
Halloween has evolved into a secular, community-based event that many people enjoy.
Donald Jones, a pumpkin patch coordinator at Tallahassee Heights United Methodist Church for more than 15 years, believes the season of Halloween is steeped in tradition.
“Students, children and everyone else from age zero to 100 love the fun aspect of Halloween,” Jones said. “It’s an amazing thing to see some kids who came here when they were kids and now come back as adults.”
Sherry Hart, a senior business student from Monticello, said she is taking her friends to the historic Monticello Ghost Tour.
According to USA Today, paranormal enthusiasts from Big Ben Ghost Trackers estimate that one out of every three homes and businesses in Monticello has been or is currently haunted by spirits, such as abandoned brides and eccentric doctors.
“I don’t think any of my friends have had the chance to experience anything like this,” Hart said. “I’m excited and ready to see the look on all of my friends’ faces once we get inside of the tour. I know once we do it this year, we’ll keep doing it again and again.”
Keyshaun Simmons, a second-year business student, usually goes out of town and enjoys her Halloween with friends, but since the holiday is during the school week, she plans to do something different.
“My friends and I are going to the haunted house on Gaines Street,” Simmons said. “A few of my friends went last year and came out terrified, so I’m super excited to give it a try.”
The haunted house on Gaines Street is known as a “top treat” for Tallahassee natives and local students.
While many Halloween traditions are based on other events and themes, students such as Christian Jones, a senior English student from Tallahassee, are creating their own traditions and he hopes will help others in the process.
“Every year, my friends and I go to a different party to celebrate Halloween,” Jones said. “But this year, we’re having our own party. Everyone who enters the party will have to bring a canned food or preserve. With the holiday season now here, it’s my way of giving back early instead of waiting for Thanksgiving.”