Harmony celebrates Halloween haunts
Halloween is Friday, Oct. 31, and there have been plenty of trick or treats, trunk or treats, Halloween parties and other celebrations throughout Butler County this month to help residents get in the mood.
Haunted Harmony: Halloween for Adults, offered a walk on the spookier side of Halloween.
The ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, when people would light bonfires and wear costumes to ward off spirits, fell midway between the fall equinox and the winter solstice. The Celts believed the barrier between worlds could be crossed during Samhain, according to history.com, and they left offerings outside villages for fairies. They also expected their ancestors to return during this time, so people dressed as animals and monsters to avoid being kidnapped by the fairies.
In the 8th century, Pope Gregory III decided Nov. 1 would be spent honoring saints and soon All Saints Day and Samhain began to share many of the same traditions as “All Hallows Eve,” which later became Halloween.
In Harmony, those looking to celebrate the more spirited side of Halloween have found an event just for them.
Josh Fries from Allegheny Paranormal Investigations was on hand to talk about a well known haunt at The Harmony Inn, where his group has investigated paranormal activity many times. His organization has been able to give owners evidence of the activity he said he’s witnessed there, in addition to providing history related to what he believes haunts the inn.
Allegheny Paranormal Investigations also offered live demonstrations and a ghost hunt, during which Fries hoped to encounter a stable boy who he has confirmed died in that area.
At Bottlebrush Gallery, guests got to check out spooky art like Baroque Bones, which is made from animal bones crafted into art pieces, and a Creepy Baby Doll Contest.
People could also get a reading from the Psychic Vincent Sisters at the Salon, check out Vinny’s Haunted Hearses, join the Harmony After-Dark Drum Circle or stop by ShuBrew Pop-Up Boo-Brew.
The party wrapped up at The Harmony Inn, where more tarot readings were offered in addition to live music.
There are so many options for celebrating the haunted season for children who love to dress up and it’s nice to have an option for the rest of us who are a little too old for trick or treat, but not too old to get an adrenaline rush from a good scare.
There is still time to enjoy a good haunt at Eerie Acres Farm on Eagle Mill Road in Butler, The Beacon Haunt on Beacon Road in Renfrew or Cheeseman Fright Farm in Portersville as the season concludes Saturday, Nov. 1.
Halloween can be a great escape from the real world and Butler County is a great place to indulge.
— KL
