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Spooky season is upon us.
Fall is now in full swing, and the uncertainty surrounding COVID-19 continues. This year, which has been trying to say the least, has changed many normal activities and left others altered. Despite the pandemic, however, some local events are happening, safely, to keep spooky season and fall festivities fun for everyone.
The following is a list of some of the current events happening this fall in Elizabethton/Carter County:
• Haunted House at the Stoney Creek Volunteer Fire Department — Sept. 25- Oct. 31
This five-week haunted house takes place every Friday and Saturday night until Halloween, yes Halloween night. This haunted house also serves a good cause; proceeds from the event go towards building a new fire station.
Hours are from 6:30-11 p.m. Admission is $10 with children 5 and under getting in for free.
Social distancing guidelines are in place, with groups of only up to six people being allowed inside at one time.
• Scarecrow Contest — Oct. 12-31
This annual event serves as both a sight to see and a contest. Everyone is welcome to enter the contest, and this also serves as a way for families to get out and see scarecrows in downtown.
• Evenings on Elk Maskquerade — Oct. 16
A wide variety of spooktacular activities are involved with this event, from a historical Ghost Walk to a food truck rally (and more).
Among activities, there will also be a COVID-19 Information Center and sanitizing station. Social distancing and masking is encouraged.
The event will be from 5-11 p.m.
• Halloween Movie in the Park Event
This FREE event will be taking place at the Covered Bridge Park. Attendees are encouraged to wear their Halloween costumes and even join a Halloween costume contest.
Seating will not be available, instead people are encouraged to socially distance and bring a lawn chair or blanket. It is encouraged that you stay with your group and stay six feet away from others.
Free popcorn and candy is also available.
Hocus Pocus will play at dark.
“We hope it’ll be a good little family friendly movie everyone can enjoy,” said Kelly Kitchens, Program and Special Events Coordinator for City of Elizabethton Parks and Recreation. “The Covered Bridge Park is large, so we feel it will not be hard for people to socially distance.”
• Beck Mountain Corn Maze
Due to COVID-19, the ONLY hours of operation for the haunted house and corn maze are from 7-11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday nights in October.
No regular daytime activities will be set up.
All workers will be wearing masks.
Masks for customers is optional. Social distancing is encouraged.
No hayride will be offered.
Prices are $15 per person.
• Carter Mansion Mysterious Candlelight Tour
This spooky event provides chilling tales of the Carter Mansion.
The event is held throughout the month of October, though at the time of this article, the only day not sold out is Oct. 22.
The event begins at 8:30 p.m.
Admission for adults is $10 and those 17 and under cost $5.
Face masks are required to be worn.
Registration for this event is online at the Sycamore Shoals State Park website, https://tnstateparks.com/parks/event_details/sycamore-shoals/#/?event=carter-mansion-mysterious-candlelight-tour-830-10-22.
In addition to these activities and Halloween themed events still taking place in the area, there are haunted tours taking place in surrounding areas as well.
Trick or Treating downtown this year is up in the wind at the moment. The Elizabethton City Council will be voting on this during their October meeting.
During this spooky season, social distancing guidelines, masking and sanitizing practices are still encouraged to have fun, safely.