What To Do: Mums the word, and carve those pumpkins

The scariest weekend of the year is chock full of boo—itiful fun

By Denny Dyroff, Staff Writer, The Times

This is the time of year that outdoor flowering plants become scarce. As soon as the temperatures begin to drop, the only plants that really hang on and continue to have flowers are chrysanthemums, which are primarily autumn flowers, and hardy pansies that can bloom all winter long.

Longwood Gardens (Route 1, Kennett Square, 610-388-1000, www.longwoodgardens.org) celebrates the popular autumnal flower with its annual Chrysanthemum Festival every year.

The 33^rd Annual Mum Fest, which opens on October 25 and runs through November 23, is a top-flight exhibit featuring more than 20,000 colorful, blooming chrysanthemums in Longwood’s huge conservatory.

Longwood’s horticulturalists have grown and developed the mums into a variety of unusual forms. They have groomed chrysanthemums to resemble clouds, torches, spirals, fans, 13-foot arches and more. The stars of the show are Longwood Gardens’ “Thousand Bloom” mums.

The Thousand Bloom (known in Japan as Ozukuri) is the most exacting and difficult of all the Chrysanthemum training styles. It derives its name for the ambitious goal of a single chrysanthemum plant producing 1,000 perfect blooms.

The method for growing the Thousand Bloom originated in China and Japan more than 200 years ago. It is a dying art form with only a few growers in the entire world skilled in the techniques needed to grow this special plant.

This year, Longwood has the largest chrysanthemum outside of Asia on display. Grown at Longwood, the plant is expected to produce over 1,500 perfectly placed, uniform blooms on one plant.

Admission to Longwood Gardens is $20 for adults, $17 for seniors (62+) and $10 for students (ages 5-18).

Many of the best artists specializing in carving are known for their work converting pieces of wood into works of art while there are some who use ivory, soap and even ice. Another group of specialist carvers are those who display their skills every October at the Chadds Ford Historical Society (Route 100, Chadds Ford, 610-388-7376, www.chaddsfordhistory.org). These artists prefer to use giant squash as their medium.

Each year at the end of October, the Chadds Ford Historical Society presents its annual Great Pumpkin Carve. The event brings together approximately 70 carvers who sculpt, saw and chisel giant pumpkins to the delight of the gathered onlookers.

The three-day event, which has been a Brandywine Valley tradition for over 40 years, is held in the meadow behind the Chadds Ford Historical Society from October 23-25. In recent years, the popular event has attracted more than 15,000 visitors annually.

On October 23, carvers gathered in the evening in the field behind the barn to create masterpieces by carving huge pumpkins which can weigh between 150 and 400 pounds.

After dark, the pumpkins will be lit and prizes will be awarded. On October 24 and 25, the carved pumpkins will be displayed all evening. Live entertainment, hayrides and hot food will also be featured all three nights. Admission is $10 for adults (18 and older), $5 for youth (ages 7-17).

There are quite a few top-flight art shows in Chester County every year. One of the premier shows on the autumn calendar is the Flying Colors Art Show and Sale — and it’s free.

The 18th annual staging of the well-attended event will be will be held on October 25 and 26 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. each day at the Montgomery School (Phoenixville Pike, Chester Springs, 610-827-1061, www.flyingcolors.us). The show features newly created framed original works by member artists as well as unframed originals and signed prints.

Some of the featured artists will be Cheryl Decker-Sauder, April D’Angelo, Liz Griesser, Linda Killingsworth, Pam McKee, Dorothy Muccilli, Mary Alice McQuinn, Edith Stevenson, Lin Webber, Kelley Stanford, Joan Spillman, Lisa Prinzo, Nicola Soricelli, Christina Oddo and Maureen O’Neill.

As an added attraction, there will be live music and painting demonstrations throughout the weekend. The public is also invited to attend the opening night reception on October 24 from 6-9 p.m. The reception, which is a benefit for the Domestic Violence Center of Chester County, includes light refreshments and live music. Admission is $10.

Plein Air Brandywine Valley (www.pleinairbrandywinevalley.org) is a painting and photography competition, show and sale featuring the beauty of the Brandywine Valley interpreted by a number of highly-acclaimed artists. It is free and open to the public.

From October 20-23, artists painted and photographed the most scenic properties of the Brandywine Valley including private estates, land preserves, and renowned du Pont properties.

All works entered into the competition will be judged and then displayed for viewing and purchase at an opening gala scheduled for October 24 from 7-10 p.m. at the Visitor Center of Winterthur Museum and Garden (Route 52, Wilmington, Delaware).

The works will remain on display for purchase and viewing on October 25 and 26 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. each day. A portion of the proceeds from the art sales will benefit Children’s Beach House.

Our little winged buddies will be the stars of the show at the Chester County Bird Club’s 26th Annual Bird Show and Mart (880 Springdale Drive, Suite 100, Exton, 610-716-7424, www.ccbirdclub.com). The show, which will run from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on October 25, is an event for bird lovers — especially those who are interested in exotic birds.

Visitors to the show will have the opportunity to see and learn about a variety of bird species, many of which are very rare and seldom seen in pet stores. Many exhibitors are also bird breeders who have spent many years in their attempts to produce outstanding examples of different species and varieties of birds.

This year’s show is authorized by the North American Parrot Society, the National Cockatiel Society, the African Lovebird Society, the National Cockatiel Society and the National Finch and Softbill Society.

The most popular attraction of the show is the large vendor exhibit area featuring a complete range of bird supplies and artistry. Bird owners can choose from a wide variety of cages, food, toys, hard-to-find breeding supplies, tee-shirts, and bird-related artwork.

Tickets are $6 for adults and $4 for children (ages 7-12) and seniors (over age 65).

On October 26 from 4-10 p.m., Historic Yellow Springs (9 Historic Yellow Springs, Art School Road, Chester Springs, 610-827-7414, www.yellowsprings.org) is teaming up with Downingtown Area Paranormal Investigators for a “Ghost Walk.”

This summer, Downingtown Area Paranormal Investigators visited Historic Yellow Springs to conduct an investigation of the Washington and Lincoln buildings and the Infirmary. DAPI captured incredible photographic evidence of an apparition and objects that moved along with recordings of ghostly voices.

During the Ghost Walk, members of DAPI dressed in period clothing will lead a bi-hourly tour through these buildings. Each tour will last 45 minutes, including a 20-minute presentation and 25-minute walking tour. Tickets, which will be available at the door, are $10 for adults and $5 for children (ages 6-12).

When autumn arrives, there is always plenty of picking going on at Frecon Farms in Boyertown. In addition to fruit picking every fall, there was banjo picking when Frecon Farms hosted its annual Pickfest Harvest Bluegrass Festival.

Now, Frecon Farms has donated its annual fall festival to the town of Boyertown to be used as both a community awareness initiative and a fund raiser for both the Building a Better Boyertown and the New Secret Valley Railroad.

The festival will maintain its original focus on agricultural and music and, at the same time, expand the coverage to include other Americana attributes native to the area.

The inaugural Boyertown Pickfest (South Washington Avenue and East Philadelphia Avenue, Boyertown, 610-369-3054, www.boyertownpickfest.com) will be held on October 25 from 10 a.m. until 7 p.m. It features local vendors, live music and the opportunity to ride and explore the Artisan Trail.

Live entertainment will be provided by the Boyertown High School Chorus, Barn Swallow, Dave Kline Band, Caroline Reese, Honey Child, The Manatawny Creek Ramblers, The Bluegrass Companyand Frog Holler.

Admission to the event is $14 for adults and $7 for children (ages 6-15).

On October 26, Linvilla Orchards (137 West Knowlton Road, Media, 610-876-7116, www.linvilla.com) is hosting its annual “Costume Parade” with registration from noon-2 p.m.

Activities get underway at noon when children can jam with Makin’ Music Instruments. There will be a special surprise superstar guest appearance at 1 p.m. and a “Dance Party” at 2 p.m. The parade will take place at 3 p.m. followed by a music show by Makin’ Music. The parade winners will be announced at 4 p.m.

Each child receives a treat and Linvilla is offering great prizes with three winners from each age group. The Grand Prize is a $100 Linvilla Orchards gift certificate.

By now, kids around the area are counting the days — and maybe even the hours — until Halloween arrives. Halloween activities are happening just about everywhere. There are special sites, holiday activities and scary events to satisfy almost any taste. The following is a chronological look at many of these events.

The 50th Annual Delaware County Halloween Parade (http://visitmediapa.com) will start at 2 p.m. on October 25 at the Media Elementary School’s Barrall Field (State and Edgmont streets, Media) and follow a route through downtown through Media.

Parade participants will include clowns, community groups, classic and antique cars from the Pennsylvania Historical Car Club and the County Corvette Club, fire engines, high school marching bands and hundreds of  walkers in their Halloween costumes.

The parade will move from Barrall Field and proceed west on State Street, north on Orange Street and east on Front Street before returning back to its starting point. Rain date is October 26 at 2 p.m.

For “Count’s Halloween Spooktacular at Sesame Place” (100 Sesame Place, Langhorne, 215-752-7070, www.sesameplace.com), which is continuing through October 26,  the popular amusement park has been converted into a Halloween-themed safe venue for kids with trick or treating, pumpkin decorating, hayrides and a hay maze. Featured attractions are “Abby Cadabby’s Magical Halloween Maze,” “Rubber Duckie Costume Party,” “The Count’s Un-Haunted Castle Maze” and “The Not-So-Spooky Hayride.”

Admission to the park is $43.

“Halloween Haunt at Dorney Park” (3830 Dorney Park Road, Allentown, 610-395-3724, www.dorneypark.com), which runs now through November 1, features scary creatures roaming the park and scarecrows lining line the walkways while frightening activities take place at the following attractions — “Fright Lane Including Skeleton Key,” “Feed Your Fears,” “Chamber of Horrors” and “CarnEvil” along with seven mazes and four “Creepy Scare Zones.” Admission is $35.99.

Corn mazes, hayrides, a pumpkin patch and scarecrows will be featured at Ramsey’s Farm (500 Ramset Road, Wilmington, Delaware, 302-477-1499, http://www.ramseysfarm.com) on weekends now through November 1. The theme for the Corn Maze at Ramsey’s Farm this year is a trip around the world with sections for North America, Europe, South America, Africa, Australia and Asia. Tickets are $7 for the corn maze, $4 for the sorghum maze, $3 for the hay maze, $2 for pumpkin painting and $3 for a hayride.

Another popular corn maze in the area is running now through November 1 at Cherry Crest Adventure Farm in Ronks (150 Cherry Hill Road, Ronks, 717-687-6843, www.cherrycrestfarm.com). The main attraction is Cherry Crest’s “Amazing Maize Maze.” Billed as “the world’s most dynamic and interactive corn maze,” it is a five-acre corn maze with over two-and-one-half miles of paths, scenic bridges, and clues. Tickets are $15 on Thursday and Fridays and $18 on Saturdays, $18.

“Valley of Terror” (1215 Wawaset Rd., Kennett Square, 484-886-6080, www.valleyofterror.com) will be held now through November 2 on Friday, Saturday and Sunday each weekend and will offer two attractions — “Zombie Safari,” which features a zombie-killing ride in the back of a 40-foot military truck stocked with 22 individual, bolted-down paintball guns, and “Gateway to Hell,” which is an unguided and unlit stroll through scary territory. Admission is $20 for “Gateway to Hell,” $25 for the “Zombie Safari” and $36 for a “Combo Ticket.”

“Haunted Hayride, Bates Motel and Haunted Corn Maze at Arasapha Farm” (1835 N. Middletown Rd., Gradyville, 610-459-0647,www.thebatesmotel.com) will be scaring visitors through November 2.The haunted hayride through the woods features monsters, special effects and actors. The Bates Motel has haunted rooms with special effects and computerized lighting. A haunted trail is cut through a cornfield inhabited by monsters. Admission prices are: Haunted Hayride, $20; Bates Motel, $15; Haunted Corn Maze, $15; combination tickets, $40. There are reduced rates for children.

Pennhurst Asylum (100 Commonwealth Drive, Spring City, 484-866-8964, www.pennhurstasylum.com), which is open through November 2, is on the site of a former mental asylum which has been shuttered for over a quarter of a century. It has been transformed into a haunted attraction with huge sets, detailed rooms and live actors. Visitors can also explore the labyrinth of underground tunnels. Tickets are $16 for “Pennhurst Haunted Attraction”, “Dungeon of Lost Souls” or “Tunnel Terror,” $20 for “Ghost Hunt” and $47 for a four-event combo.

“Hurricane Hill Farm Maze” (Baldwin’s Farm, 704 East Reeceville Road, Coatesville, 610-384-6952, www.hhfmaze.com) will be open Saturdays and Sundays until November 2. This event features miles of trails through a five-acre corn maze along with a corn slide, hayrides, a pumpkin patch and a farm animal display. Tickets are $12 — $10 for seniors (ages 60 and over).

The  “23rd Annual Fright Fest” (Six Flags Great Adventure, Route 537, Jackson, NJ, 732-928-2000, www.sixflags.com), which is running now through November 2, features family-oriented activities during the day and much scarier attractions after dark for teens and adults including “Asylum,” “The Haunted Heist,” “Voodoo Island,” “Total Darkness,” Wasteland,” “Circus Psycho,” “Bone Butcher Terror-tory,” “The Manor,” “The Bloody Fountain” and “Crop Circles.” Tickets are $66.99 for adults and $39.99 for juniors (under 54 inches).

Ghost Tour of Philadelphia (215-413-1997, www.ghosttour.com) and Ghost Tour of Lancaster (717-687-6687, www.ghosttour.com) operate through November and offer an eerily entertaining evening of true ghost stories and real haunted houses. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for children.

The “29th Annual Jason’s Woods” (99 Stehman Road, Lancaster, 717-872-5768, www.jasonswoods.com), which is running through November 8, is a horror show complex that features a combination of live actors, impressive animation and scary special effects. Popular attractions include “Horrifying Hayride,” “Chamber of Horrors,” “Zombie Apocalypse,” “Lost in Jason’s Woods,” “Carnival of Fear,” “Fields of Fright”and the “The Grand Jason’s Woods Theater.” Admission prices are for combo tickets are $25 for three attractions and $40 for six.

“Terror Behind the Walls” (Eastern State Penitentiary, 2124 Fairmount Avenue, Philadelphia, 888-763-NITE, www.easternstate.org), which continues through November 8, takes place at a site Penitentiary that was once was an active prison and is now a National Historic Landmark. It is a scream-inducing event featuring laser and special-effect lighting, digital sound, sinister scents, animatronic creatures and 3-D illusions. Admission prices, which vary with the date, range from $13-$39.

“Pumpkinland” (Linvilla Orchards, 137 West Knowlton Road, Media, 610-876-7116, www.linvilla.com), which is open through November 9, features fairy tale characters from nursery rhymes along with a huge scarecrow and a really tall storybook. Other activities include train rides, a straw bale maze, hayrides, pick-your-own apples and pony rides. Another attraction, which runs through October 30, is “Hayride to the Witch’s House.” Admission is free and hayrides are $9 per person.

“Field of Screams” (Stone Battery Road, Lancaster, 717-285-7748, www.fieldofscreams.com), which is open now through November 9, features “Den of Darkness” (three-story horror house), “Frightmare Asylum” (walk-through haunted barn), “Nocturnal Wasteland” and the “Haunted Hayride” (a 25-minute fright-filled ride featuring state-of-the-art special effects, pyrotechnics and animatronics). Admission is $33.

“Boo at the Zoo” (Elmwood Park Zoo, 1661 Harding Boulevard, Norristown, 610-277-3825, www.elmwoodparkzoo.org) will take place every Saturday and Sunday from October 11-26 from noon-3 p.m. each day. The family-friendly Halloween event will feature trick-or-treat stations, themed attractions, costume contests, hay bale and corn mazes. Tickets are $14 for adults and $10 for children with children two and under admitted free. Opening Day (October 11) will also feature “Story Corner” at the Exploration Zone.

“Candlelight Ghost Tours” (Fort Mifflin, Fort Mifflin and Hog Island roads, Philadelphia, 215-685-4167, http://fortmifflin.us) are scheduled for October 24 and 25. Visitors can tour historic (and haunted) Fort Mifflin by candlelight from 7-10 p.m. each night and hear true stories of ghostly encounters. This event is billed as an “authentic experience.” Tickets are $20 for adults and $15 for students (12 and under).

October 18 is the date for “Ghosts in the Graveyard” (Old Swedes Historical Site, 606 Church Street, Wilmington, Delaware, 302-652-5629, www.oldswedes.org). From 6:30-9 p.m. each night, visitors will be able to stroll through the complex, meet some of the ghosts who reside in the site’s burial grounds and maybe even solve the mystery of the late night bell ringing at Old Swedes Church. Tickets are $12 for adults and $6 for students (ages 12-17).

The “Great Pumpkin Express Trains” (West Chester Railroad, Market Street Station, West Chester, 610-430-2233, www.westchesterrr.net) are scheduled for October 25 and 26. The “haunted trains” with ghoulish characters leave West Chester’s Market Street Station at noon and 3 p.m. Tickets, which include the train ride, admission to “Spooky Manor” and one pumpkin, are $25 for adults, $23 for children and $14 for toddlers.

The South Street Headhouse District’s Sixth Annual Pumpkin Fall Festival (east end of South St., Philadelphia, 215-413-3713,www.southstreet.com) will be held on October 25 from noon-5 p.m. under the historic Headhouse Shambles located on Second Street between Pine and Lombard streets. The free event will feature a pumpkin decorating activity and live entertainment.

On October 25 and 26, the Brandywine Ballet will present three performances of “Dracula” at West Chester University’s Emilie K. Asplundh Hall (700 South High Street, West Chester, 610-692-6402, www.brandywineballet.org) with shows listed for October 25 at 2 and 7:30 p.m. and October 26 at 4 p.m. Tickets range from $25-$40.

The production features original choreography by Resident Choreographer Nancy Page, who was a Brandywine Ballet student prior to her professional career with such companies as the Sarasota Ballet, the Pittsburgh Ballet and the Tampa/Colorado Ballet.

“Boo at the Zoo” (Brandywine Zoo, 1001 N. Park Drive, Wilmington, 302-571-7747, www.brandywinezoo.org) will be held on October 31 and November 1 from 5-7:30 p.m. each night. The popular annual non-scary family event features games, animal enrichment programs, live critters and trick-or-treating. Children (and their grown-ups) are encouraged to wear costumes. Tickets are $4 for adults and $2 for children.