Ringing in the Season!

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I hope to post some new reviews for this merry time of year. I will let everyone know as soon as I do!

My Hallowe'en Guide to Cartoons

When I was much younger, I used to watch several of these cartoons when I came home from school -- right before my candy adventures with friends and family. It's hard to find and purchase some of these Hallowe'en specials due to their age, but if you are able to obtain a copy, they will be an added treasure in your holiday collection.

Cartoons and Animated Specials

• Disney's Halloween Treat (1982) - In kindergarten (yes, that long ago), I came home from school and this special became a staple to my Hallowe'en traditions. A long time ago we had a copy of it on VHS, but it has been lost for over a decade now. From my recollection, the Disney Channel would air this on Hallowe'en Day for the youngsters.  The special played clips from older Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, and Pluto cartoons.  Again, this was before Disney turned to the dark side. The little ghouls will love this special (and so will the big kids who remember it)!

• Donald Duck's Treat or Treat (1952) - I believe it's part of the Disney's Halloween Treat, but it's one of my favorite cartoons. Donald Duck's nephews come to trick-or-treat at their uncle's house, but they seem to unable to retrieve any treats. A witch and a perky broom come to the little ducks aid! It's a short film and a cute one, at that. 
  
  
• Garfield's Halloween Adventure (1985) - I watch this every Hallowe'en! If you don't already know the lasagna eating cat, this is a perfect introduction to this animated character. Gafield wants candy, candy, candy, candy! He dsesses up as a pirate and drags Odie, the dog, through the streets to obtain is sugary treasure. Based off of the book Garfield in Disguise, you'll definitely get a kick out of this musical special! I also read an hilarious review by X-Entertainment (refer here), which gives a comical in-depth review about Garfield's Halloween Adventure.
  
  
• Halloween is Grinch Night! (1977) - Another favorite! We all know about how the Grinch stole Christmas, but did you know that he had his own special night where he frightens the inhabitants of Whoville? The Whoville citizens lock up their homes on this one, terrifying night when the Sour-Sweet wind blows! However, Euchariah isn't scared! He tries to stall the Grinch in the mountains to protect the Whos. In 1977, the special received an Outstanding Animated Program Emmy Award. Sing along with the Grinch and the Whos this Hallowe'en! 
  
  
• It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown! (1966) - This is a Hallowe'en classic and if you haven't seen it before, you need to. Linus believes in the Great Pumpkin, a holiday figure who would be more popular if he had some publicity. As long as you sit in the pumpkin patch on Hallowe'en night, the Great Pumpkin may grace you with presence and some gifts. While most of Charlie Brown's friends believe Linus to be hokey, Sally waits with Linus in the pumpkin patch. Certainly, this is a Hallowe'en staple that my whole family watches every year and you will, too! It's a shame that this is the only animated program they air during Hallowe'en primetime.
  
  
• Raggedy Ann and Andy and The Pumpkin Who Couldn't Smile (1979) - Lost the shadows of time, I believe this animated special should be included still in Hallowe'en tv programming. Who can forget Raggedy Ann and Andy? I love this holiday animated feature! Raggedy Ann and Andy bring together a child and a abandoned pumpkin on Hallowe'en night.  Don't fear Aunt Agatha, she may surprise you. if you can find a copy of it, watch it this Hallowe'en.
  
  
• South Park: Halloween Specials (1997 - 2006) - If you are one for adult humor, you will find South Park's Halloween Specials to satisfy your need for ghoulish comedy. "Pinkeye (1997)," "Spookyfish (1998)," "Korn's Groovy Ghost Pirate Mystery (1999)," and "Hell On Earth (2006)" are awesome episodes that take Stan, Cartman, Kyle, Kenny, and the town of South Park through some strange, creepy adventures. Of course, it's great to watch after the trick-or-treaters turn in for the night and the grown-ups begin their Hallowe'en parties. Reminisce with early South Park and laugh your way through Hallowe'en.

• King of the Hill: "Hilloween" S2E4 (1996) - One of the funniest Hallowe'en animated episodes. Hank wants Bobby, his son, to experience the same fantastic Hallowe'en extravagance as he once did. So Hank, Bill, Dale, and Boomhauer build a haunted house at the middle school. Things go haywire when Junie Harper, an overly opinionated church member, tries to rid of Hallowe'en -- telling the youngsters and teens that it's a Satanist holiday. Hank Hill has none of this! Fun to watch with friends during you Hallowe'en festivities.

• The Halloween Tree (1993) - Based off of Ray Bradbury's novel The Halloween Tree, Cartoon Network this animated special in the early 90s. Bradbury even narrates the story! Four children, Tom, Jenny, Ralph, and Wally, wait for their dear friend Pipkin to complete their Hallowe'en Night, yet he never shows. They think he may be pulling a prank on him so they go to the edge of town to continue their tricks and treats. On their way, they notice that Pip's house is bare and dark. An omniscient ambulance waits curiously in the shadows. The four friends take a shortcut to the hospital, after the ambulance recedes into the night. Will Pip be alright to enjoy this Hallowe'en? Great for all ages, though it may seem scary to the very little ones. The made-for-TV movie follows the traditions and history of Hallowe'en.

• The Legend of Sleepy Hollow (1949) - When Disney came out with their animated version if Washington Irving's The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, they really did a superb job scaring the life out of me! Bing Crosby voices Ichabod Crane. Irving's ghost story is an American Classic and it's become a favorite in my Hallowe'en collection. The story has all the elements of greatness: romance, rivalry, and supernatural occurences -- Disney really recaptures such eerieness with a family-friendly rendition.

• The Simpsons: Tree House of Horror (1990 - 2010) - Of course, there is Tree House of Horror, which I absolutely love and enjoy. There are so many episodes, it is hard to recount each Simpson moment, but I try to rewatch all of them come this time of year. They used to sell a Tree House of Horror compliation, but I suppose it was hard to keep up with the Simpsons series since its an ongoing program. Although I wasn't allowed to view The Simpsons as a child, I am glad I went ahead and discovered them in high school (I know, it's weird).

• Witch's Night Out (1978) - One of the rarest animated Hallowe'en specials to grab a copy that is not an extremely expensive VHS! To my knowledge, they have not released it to DVD yet. Though it aired on NBC, it was created in Canada. Tender and Small, two children who want to go to the Hallowe'en party at an abandoned mansion, encounter a witch who turns them into a werewolf and ghost. She even transforms their babysitter, Bazooey, into a Frankenstein monster! However, an angry mob appears when they uncover the monsters in the town. This movie encourages that we embrace the true spirit of Hallowe'en -- having fun. For the kids and the kids-at-heart, you will enjoy this unique cartoon.

My Hallowe'en Guide to Local Attractions

Local Attractions

Since I live around the greater Philadelphia region, here are some great attractions to visit during October.

Pennsylvania -

• Valley of Fear and The Original Haunted Hayride - Feasterville - My friend is an actual participant in this year's Valley of Fear. It has awesome reviews about the realistic make-up and frightening costumes. They have three haunted attractions: a haunted hayride, two haunted house tour, and a walk through forest maze. They also have a Frightful Family Admission Pack  (four all events tickets for the price of three). Check out their website for more information.
• Terror Behind the Walls - Eastern State Penitentiary - Philadelphia - I am going here for the first time next week! Maybe I'll see you there! This is supposed to be crazily scary. Legends about the Eastern State include several murderers that still haunt the jail including the infamous Al Capone. They also have daytime prison tours for those who don't like haunted houses, but love local history.
• Dracula's Ball - Philadelphia - My friends go to Dracula's Ball every year and every year, they come back bragging about how they have an incredible time. This October 30th, Shampoo will hold their annual ball. All ages welcome. Great DJs, awesome bands, and other wonderful entertainers participate in this event. This year's live performances include Red This Ever and Seraphim. FAQs and pricing are included on their official website. Stay out late this Mischief Night and have a fantastic time at Dracula's Ball. 
• Bates Motel - Glen Mills - My college friends would return from the Bates Motel scared yet, satisfied.  Based off of Hollywood's most fearful movies, the Bates Motel brings them to life in this high-tech attraction. Although the Bates Motel is the main show, they also feature a haunted hayride and corn maze. One of the best haunts in the area; feel free to check them out.
• Brat Productions - Halloween Performances - Philadelphia  Last year I saw Haunted Poe and I was so impressed, I recommend Brat Productions Hallowe'en inspired performances to every person I encounter. For October 2010, Brat Productions will be staging Stephen King's Carrie, but with a comic and musical twist! They encourage those interested to come dressed in PROM ATTIRE! You may check out reviews and previews on their official website. Get your ticket before the sell out!

New Jersey -

• Indian Acres Tree Farm - Haunted Attractions - Medford - Indian Acres adds more exciting attractions each year. They have a haunted cornfield, a graveyard, and a terrifying hayride. Attractions for the little kiddies include pumpkin picking, bouncy playground, wagon rides, and much more. They also have great group rates.
• The Witches Ball - Mount Holly - Last year, we planned to go to The Witches Ball since Hallowe'en was on a Saturday. This year, they planned the event earlier (a surprise by some). I hear rave reviews about this event and how much fun it is. You must be 21 to enter and decked in costume attire. There is a costume contest, music, dancing, and even a movie showing. Great for people who love masquerading!
  
• Psycho Trail - Lumberton - Right in the heart of Lumberton sits a creepy trail that only weirdos dare to tread. Free parking included on site. You are lead through four horrifying attractions and on certain dates during October. If you go to the website, under the Events section you will find information about special rates including a schedule of exciting visits by a ghost research society and live bands!
• Halloween Parade - Medford - On Mischief Night, visit Medford and their Hallowe'en lights! When I was little, I would go to this event every year with my family and it was magical. Sponsored by the Medford-Vincentown Rotary, the parade starts around 7:00 pm and the route follows down Main Street. The parade is approximately 2h30  long (judging by last years itinerary). The parade includes individual marchers, group marches, floats, antique cars, fire trucks, and bands from around the area. Make this Mischief Night fun by visiting Medford's Halloween Parade!
• Johnson's Corner Farm - Medford - For every age! Pumpkin picking, apple picking, corn mazes, apple cider donuts, and apple cider slushies! A fun time by all. They even have a petting farm. Reasonable prices and great group rates! Check them out this October.
• Springdale Farms - Cherry Hill - Corn Mazes, pumpkin picking hayrides, perfect pies, and wonderful Hallowe'en decorations! Our school would participate on an evening hayride and a bonfire for s'mores. Great place to bring the children!
• Night of Terror - Mullica Hill - My friend goes to Creamy Acres every year to experience Night of Terror. Voted Best Haunted Attraction the last five years by People's Choice, this place is highly recommended for those who crave terror's rush. They have six attractions frightful attractions including a haunted hayride and corn maze. You will definitely experience your money's worth while visiting Night of Terror at Creamy Acres.
• Prison Haunt - Mount Holly - Made famous by SyFys Ghost Hunters, the Mount Holly's Historical County Prison will be holding their annual Haunted Prison attraction. Each night they will have ghost researchers on site. Visit this famous prison and check out their website to see their upcoming special events!  

Databases for Festivals and Haunted Houses:

Festivals by State and Month

Haunted World 

Check out to see if your state has any hauntings! Shadowlands Haunted Places Index