By Stacy Lee / Staff Writer

Dead Man’s Party (Disneyland Resort)
By Stacy Lee / Staff Writer
Halloween is the time of year when people can get dressed up and pretend to be something they’re not.
It’s also a great time for friends and family to come together to experience the thrills and chills that are customary of the spooktacular season.
This year, there are many Halloween themed events happening within the Southern California area.
Knott’s Scary Farm
One of the biggest events is Knott’s Scary Farm Halloween Haunt, which has now been around for 37 years.
There are many shows to choose from including Bloodlust, Inferno, The Hanging (Wrath of the Witch), Festival of Freaks and Professor Freak’s Funhouse for Kids (Not for Kids).
There are also haunted mazes and houses throughout the whole park including Alien Annihilation, The Asylum, Club Blood, Cornstalkers, Black Widow’s Cavern and the Doll Factory.
All the rides will still be available as well.
Knott’s Scary Farm is open from 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. or 7 p.m. to 2 a.m..
More information and ticket options for Knott’s Scary Farm are available on their Web site at http://haunt.knotts.com.
Halloween Horror Nights
Another popular event is Halloween Horror Nights put on by Universal Studios.
This year the theme park is bringing several popular horror movies to life including “Halloween,” “SAW” and “My Bloody Valentine.”
There are several mazes including Game Over, Life and Crimes of Michael Myers, as well as Chucky’s Playhouse.
In addition, normal rides and attractions will remain open.
Something new and exciting on the backlot is Terror Tram: Live Or Die featuring Billy, Jigsaw‘s messenger of doom from “SAW” movies.
Guests are invited to play a game, in which they will have to survive a group test. If one person fails, everyone fails.
Universal Studios Halloween Horror Nights is open between 7 p.m. to 12 a.m. or 7 p.m. to 2 a.m., the last day is Oct. 31.
For more information on Universal Studios Halloween Horror Nights, visit http://www.halloweenhorrornights.com.
Disneyland
A great event for all ages this Halloween season is “Halloween Time” at Disneyland.
This is the only time of year where the Disney villains like Captain Hook and Cruella de Vil are celebrated.
Some of the main attractions are the Main Street Pumpkin Festival and Space Mountain Ghost Galaxy.
The fireworks have also been changed to be hosted by Jack Skellington from “Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas.”
Halloween Time runs through Nov. 1 and hours remain the same as normal Disneyland hours.
More information is available at http://disneyland.disney.go.com.
For families that wish to remain in the Inland Empire area, there are several great options available.
Chino Hills Haunted Hike
The Chino Hills haunted hike is a guided tour on the “haunted” trail behind the McCoy Equestrian and Recreation Center.
For five dollars, guests are allowed unlimited strolls through the haunted trail, a glow stick and a scary movie.
The event is on Oct. 23 between 7-9 p.m.
For more information, visit http://www.chinohills.org.
Nightmare at Scareview Farms
Nightmare at Scareview Farms is another great event which is located at the Fairplex in Pomona.
This event features several scary festivities including The Haunted Cattle Barn and the Pirate of the Dead Seas.
Nightmare at Scareview Farms runs between 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. from Oct. 16 through Oct. 31.
To purchase tickets, visit http://www.fairplex.com.
Castle Park
Riverside also offers some “haunted” experiences this year as well.
Castle Park is bringing “Castle Dark” to Riverside every weekend throughout October.
Guests can visit Chambers of the Mausoleum or Terror on the Tracks.
There is also a haunted house located next to the park.
More information is available at http://www.castlepark.com.
Ghostwalk Riverside
Ghostwalk Riverside is another great Halloween feature that’s close to home.
Around for 18 years Ghostwalk Riverside has been recognized as “Best Event in Riverside” in 2005.
The event is hosted by the California Riverside Ballet. Volunteers take guests on a tour throughout the historic district where they are told spooky stories.
First stop on the tour takes participants to the Riverside Ballet Arts Studio where the California Riverside Ballet Dancers “beckon the undead to dance.”
There are several possible stops on the tour including the Riverside Art Museum, the Riverside Metropolitan Museum and the historic Aurea Vista Hotel.
Ghost Walk Riverside takes place on Oct. 23 and Oct. 24.
Tickets for Ghostwalk can be purchased online at the California Riverside Ballet’s official Web site at http://www.crballet.com.
No matter what the family is looking for come Halloween, it will be easy to find this year as Southern California is offering many attractions for every age group and thrill level.

(Disneyland Resort)