Spooktacular Mother Lode Happenings

Mother Lode Happenings

October 29 - 31

Are you looking for spooktacular fun this weekend? If so, you may want to check out these haunted gatherings:

Realms of Darkness

The Hi 4-H Haunted House will be open Friday and Saturday from 7-10 pm. It is located in the red barn behind JS West Lumber at 730 S. Washington St in Sonora. Performances are not recommended for young children. Admission is $6. All proceeds benefit the Hi 4-H teen program. For more information call 209-533-6990 or visit www.realmsofdarkness.org.

Ghouls Night Out 2009

This event will be held Saturday at 7pm at the Mother Lode Fairgrounds in Sonora. All ages are welcome and no alcohol is allowed. Tickets are $10 at the door, include a free prize drawing. Bands will include Dishonorable Discharge, False Freedom, Sedated, Bloddy Knuckles and more.

Harvest Haunt Express

Railtown 1897 State Historic Park will present "Harvest Haunt Express" train rides on the hour from 11am to 3pm Saturday and Sunday. Train tickets, which include park admission, are $13 adults, $6 youths ages 6-17, children under 5 are free. Visit www.railtown1897.org www.columbiacalifornia.com for more information.

Illumination for the Jack-o'-Lanterns

This annual event is sponsored by the Columbia Chamber of Commerce. It begins at 5:30 pm Friday in Columbia State Historic Park. Everyone is welcome to carve their own pumpkins and bring them to the Columbia Museum on Main Street for judging. Prizes will be awarded for the most original, most gruesome, most entertaining and more. The Gold Rush Balladeers will perform authentic songs of the Gold Rush era, and the jack-o'-lanterns will be illuminated at dusk. Admission is free and Halloween costumes are encouraged. For more information call 209-536-1672 or visit www.columbiacalifornia.com.

Halloween Parade and Costume Contest

The Junction shopping center will present its annual event beginning at 11 am Saturday under the clock. Registration starts at 10 am. Costume judging will be held in three age groups -up to age 4, 5 to 8, and 9 to 12 - plus a group category. Cash prizes will be awarded.

This is just a few of the Halloween happening this weekend, so get your costume and HAVE FUN!