“I’m so glad
I live in a world
where there are Octobers.”
~ L. M. Montgomery
If you celebrate Halloween, I have two words for you: Columbia Costumes. Walk into the store about halfway, go upstairs, and thus begins your new annual tradition. If you conceive it, Columbia can help you achieve it, with costumes in real sizes to buy or rent, and countless accessories. For example, looking for wings? Plenty of places stock wings, but Columbia stocks what seems like every wing style out there. My daughter has planned out her Halloween outfits for the next three years after our visit there this week! Columbia Costumes is located at 66 North Front Street in Kingston. For more information, call (845) 339-4996 or visit https://www.columbiacostumes.com.
Recommended Children’s Halloween Reads by Local Authors
After you see Lisa Thiesing’s books, chances are you’ll be as hooked on her illustrations and stories as I am. This is the perfect time of year to check out her Silly Thrillers series, especially her award-winning tale, The Viper. For more information, to inquire about art classes, or to order, visit lisathiesing.com.
The Ugly Pumpkin
You know how you read a children’s book to your kids, and it’s especially clever or funny with little humorous treats for the older siblings and grown-ups woven into some of the pictures or text? That’s what Dave Horowitz’s stories are like. His crossover hit, The Ugly Pumpkin, ties in nicely for both Halloween and Thanksgiving. For more information or to order, visit www.horowitzdave.com. Crave more Dave? Find his blog at https://kosherhamdiaries.wordpress.com.
Haunted Party
The images in Iza Trapani’s stories pair so beautifully with the cadence of her rhythmic text, leaving me amazed at the masterful crafting of every one of her books. This season, pick up a copy of Haunted Party, and see for yourself. For more information or to order, visit https://www.izatrapani.com. Iza’s blog is another treat: https://izatrapani.com/wp.
Friday, October 24
Nosferatu
Enjoy a screening of Nosferatu — Symphony of Horror this Friday, October 24 at 7:30 p.m. at Ulster Performing Arts Center (UPAC). This silent film was the first vampire movie, and this Friday’s viewing includes live organ accompaniment. Tickets are $6, vampires are admitted free. UPAC is located at 601 Broadway in Kingston. For more information, call (845) 339-6088 or visit https://upac.org.
Ghost Walk
If history happened here, does that mean ghosts happen here? The Hurley Heritage Society Ghost Walk takes place on Friday, October 24 at 7 p.m. Tickets are $10, and students 12 to 16 years are $7. Reservations are recommended, and this walk is not advised for children under 12. Tours begin at Hurley Reformed Church, located at 11 Main Street in Hurley. For reservations or more information, call 845-331-8673 or visit https://www.hurleyheritagesociety.org.
Halloween Spectacular
The Mid-Hudson Children’s Museum’s Great Halloween Spectacular takes place on Friday, October 24 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Dance, create a spooky craft, and more. Get there early and take a free ride in the nearby Walkway elevator before the party! The cost is $12 per person, or $8 for museum members. The Mid-Hudson Children’s Museum is located at 75 North Water Street in Poughkeepsie. For reservations or more information, call (845) 471-0589 or visit https://mhcm.org.
Saturday, October 25
Spooky Theatrics
Ever since my excellent recent tour at Olana, I’m looking for any excuse to go back for more, and this special event sounds compelling. On Saturday, October 25 at 6 p.m., 8 p.m., and 10 p.m., experience Spooky Theatrics: Folktales from the 1860s in Action. This 45 minute outdoor play connects Olana with events of the time, moving the audience around through the Farm Complex for the various scenes. This event is open to all ages, however it is best-suited for ages 6 and up and will likely feel spookier as the evening progresses. Tickets are $10 in advance, $15 the night of the tour, and $30 for a family of 5 for the 6 p.m. tour. Olana is located at 5720 Route 9G in Hudson. For reservations or more information, call 518-828-0135 or visit www.olana.org.
Join the family! 
