By Joseph LaSpina
Staff Reporter
Fairfield County is home to dozens of traditional fall festivals and events. One of the county’s oldest fall traditions is returning this year for it’s 20th anniversary, the Legends of Fear Haunted Hayride in Shelton, CT.
This event will be open every weekend of October. The “Legends of Fear” hayride takes place on Fairview Tree Farm, a family owned farm that created and operates a haunted hayride, where guests are put in complete darkness and surprised by many creatures and horrific scenes along the way.
The newest attraction added to the “Legends of Fear” is the Melonhead Revenge Trail. This trail is a 40 minute, one mile, haunted trek in the forests where you walk in the footsteps of the town’s rumored melonhead creatures.
Fairfield County is full of farms, but not all are haunted. Silverman’s farm is a local option, for Sacred Heart students to venture to during the season. Located right in Easton, CT, Sacred Heart University’s Student Activities Office even provides a shuttle trip to the farm on select weekends throughout the fall. Open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., there are many activities to choose from varying from apple and pumpkin picking, to scenic tractor rides, to a petting zoo at the private animal farm on site.
“I had never been there before,” said junior Jarrett Michaels. “I was surprised to see that there was a petting zoo and that I was able to see a lot of cool animals.”
For students unable to get around due to lack of transportation, Sacred Heart has a solution. They offer many events throughout the season and often schedule shuttle trips to places around the neighboring area.
The Students Events Team hosts many events both on and off campus to benefit the greater Sacred Heart population.
“There are plenty of events to keep students busy while at school,” said Student Events Team president Kara Fanelli.
On Oct. 25, there will be a corn maze from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. held on 63’s patio where food will be provided as well.
Inside the university’s coffeehouse, Holy Grounds at Christian Witness Commons, canvas painting will take place on Oct. 26. At the event, students can create their own paintings while enjoying some seasonal apple cider and the company of their peers.
Though living on campus has its perks, for students able to get around by car, the number of activities to attend is limitless.
Not only are there farms and pumpkin patches in the surrounding area, but there are performances and festivals of all types held throughout Connecticut as well.
On Oct. 20, New Haven’s Symphony Orchestra: “Dvorak’s New World,” is playing at Woolsey Hall in New Haven. On Oct. 22, Sam Hunt, a hit country singer, will be performing at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn.
Bill Maher and Dane Cook, two prolific comedians and actors, are coming to Connecticut on Oct. 21 and Oct. 22 to perform. Maher will be at the Foxwoods Resort Casino in Mashantucket, Conn., whereas Cook will be joining Sam Hunt at Mohegan Sun.
For more information on events held in the local Connecticut area please visit http://www.ctvisit.com/.
