Halloween is the holiday that celebrates the strange and unexpected, the time to surrender to the enchantments of an autumn night. Children swarm the streets with their growing bags of candy and parents in tow, as adults take a different route and attempt to relive childhood fantasies.
With the many festive events UB offers, students are not exempt from getting their chance to relive their own childhood fantasies.
At UB, the Haunted Union kicks the Halloween tradition into gear. This year, students say the 3,700 square-foot Haunted Union is expected to be the largest and creepiest ever, with two days worth of activities for people of all ages to enjoy.
Wednesday, the Haunted Union creaked opened their doors from noon to 4 p.m., and then again from 7 to 11 p.m. Thursday's events included a blood drive in 210 Student Union, with free candy in addition to a trick-or-treating event.
The Student Union lobby will be decorated throughout the two days with events from 12 to 4 p.m., including pumpkin carving, face painting, cookie decorating, a mummy wrap race, and a donut-on-a-string contest.
"Being a senior this year, I am really looking forward to taking advantage of all the events the student programming board has put on for us," said Willem Oswald, a senior engineer major. "I am especially looking forward to the mummy wrap race and of course the haunted house."
Students will also have a chance to make their own candy, caramel, and chocolate apples. Cider, candy corn, hot chocolate and donuts will be available for all students throughout the day.
The fun doesn't just stop at UB. The Halloween spirit is spreading out all over Western New York, and students can look forward to haunted houses and Halloween get-togethers at a variety of places.
Roaming zombies, a Brutal Planet haunted house, costume contests, a trick-or-treat trail and plenty of Halloween treats will be featured at this year's Darien Lake Fright Fest.
"My friends from New York City are coming to visit this weekend and I am planning on taking them all to Fright Fest," said Shelley Imbs, a senior advertising major. "I went last year and had a fantastic time, so this year I am hoping I can bring my friends from home and have an even better time with them."
Shea's Rising Stars group is putting on a Halloween Blues and Brews Party this Saturday, beginning at 6:30 p.m. Over 20 breweries, distributors and local restaurants will be featured at the Shea's Performing Arts Center. In addition, there will be a costume contest, and live music by Doug Yeomans, John Brady, and Robin and the Rubes.
Other events include events hosted by Kiss 98.5. On Sat., Oct. 30, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. there's a "Galleria of Treats," at the Galleria Mall. Also on Sat. from 12 a.m. to 2 a.m., there's an "Old School" Halloween party at Seven Bar and Caf?(c), in Hamburg. Club Evolution in Williamsville is hosting a Halloween Dance Party Sun., October 31, from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m.
