By Janelle Hanson, communications specialist, University Marketing & Communications
Across the state, haunted houses and corn mazes are packed with customers looking for a good scare. Don’t forget to check out what the University of Utah can offer in way of Halloween activities — some specifically for families.
Take a break from the ghosts, witches and ghouls on Saturday, Oct. 28 from 1-4 p.m., and join the Fort Douglas Cemetery Tour for trip back in history. Listen to real stories of interesting citizens, their former lives and how they found their way to such a captivating place. Their history will be told by actors in costume and suitable for all ages.
Jim Duignan, retired history teacher and current Fort Douglas Museum docent, has been volunteering with the Fort Douglas Museum for several years.
“My favorite part of telling the history of the people buried here is discovering how they ended up in Utah. No offense to Utah, but it was the middle of nowhere, so for someone to end up all the way out here, they must have a good story,” Duignan said.
The volunteers, dressed in uniform and period costume, “represent a range of people from Col. Patrick E. Connor, who established Camp Douglas in 1862 (which became Fort Douglas in 1878), to German POWs from WWII, to nurses and wives of soldiers,” he said. “We have nine German soldiers buried near each other in the cemetery.”
Here are some other Halloween events happening across campus:
ODYSSEY DANCE THEATRE’S THRILLER
Now through Monday, Oct. 30, 2017 | Various times
Kingsbury Hall
$35.50-$55.50 with no refunds or exchanges.
Children under 6 not permitted and student tickets must be done in person at the box office with valid ID.
FAMILY FRIGHTFEST
Wednesday, Oct 25, 2017 | 4-6 p.m.
Union Ballroom
Activities include:
- Pony rides
- Trick-or-Treating
- Polaroid photo booth
- Lots more spooky fun activities for kids
GARDEN AFTER DARK
Thursday, Oct. 26-Saturday, Oct. 28, 2017 | 6-9 p.m.
Red Butte Garden
Garden members get half off the $12 admission rate. There’s also a KSL deal for a promotional admission rate.
Costumes and fun for all ages.
UTAH PHILHARMONIA HALLOWEEN: THE HAUNTED ORCHESTRA XVI
Thursday, Oct. 26-Friday, Oct. 27, 2017 | 7:30 p.m.
Libby Gardner Concert Hall
- General: $12.50
- Student: $6.50
- Arts Pass
- U faculty, staff, senior: $6.50
No refunds or exchanges.
CRIMSON NIGHTS: NIGHTMARE ON U STREET
Friday, Oct 27, 2017 | 9 p.m.-2 a.m.
Union
Costumes are encouraged–but please remember that cultures are not costumes.
Activities:
- Haunted hallway
- Tarrot card reading
- Laser tag
- Miniature golf
- Kim’s Creatures
- Giant inflatables
- Mocktail bar
- Free food and more
Crimson Nights is an alcohol-free and substance-free event. Free with your UCard and $5 with other college ID.
FORT DOUGLAS CEMETERY TOUR
Saturday, Oct. 28, 2017 | 1-4 p.m.
Fort Douglas Post Cemetery – 431 South Chipeta Way Salt Lake City
Admission is free.
OFFICERS HOLLOW
Saturday, Oct. 28, 2017 | 12-3 p.m.
Officers Circle in Fort Douglas
This carnival-style event is free and open to all children and families. Kids can trick-or-treat at Officers Circle homes, play games, have their faces painted, visit the Fort Douglas Museum and enjoy other fun activities.
Officers Hollow activities are wheelchair accessible and staffed by University of Utah student volunteers.
Nearby parking is available – look for signage and see the map here.
SAFEU: GET THE 411 ON ALL THINGS 911
Monday, Oct. 30, 2017 | 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
Marriott Library Plaza
Please stop by.