Key Takeaways:
- The second annual Haunted Downtown Jacksonville event will take place on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights, featuring a Haunted House, Family Night, and various fall entertainment activities.
- The Haunted House will be open from 7 to 11 p.m. at the USO, with a theme based on Dr. Killemhall’s House of Horrors.
- Family Night will take place on Saturday from 4:30 to 9 p.m. at Riverwalk Crossing Park, featuring a movie, games, contests, and a self-guided ghost walk.
- Proceeds from the event will support the Sturgeon City Education Programs and holiday dinners for the military and their families.
- Tickets for the Haunted House are $8 at the door, and Family Night activities are free.
Introduction to Haunted Downtown Jacksonville
Downtown Jacksonville is gearing up for a spooktacular week of fun and entertainment with the second annual Haunted Downtown Jacksonville event. The festivities will take place on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights, starting at Riverwalk Crossing Park and making their way through downtown area businesses, culminating at the USO. The event promises to bring a plethora of ghoulish activities and fall entertainment to the community, including a Haunted House, Family Night, and various other attractions.
The Haunted House Experience
The main attraction of the event is the Haunted House, which will be open from 7 to 11 p.m. at the USO. This year’s theme is based on Dr. Killemhall’s House of Horrors, a turn-of-the-century manor built for an experimental surgeon. The house is believed to be haunted by the spirits and specters of the doctor’s family members and experimental patients who died under mysterious circumstances. The Haunted House features dozens of volunteers who have dedicated hours to rehearsals and creating lifelike scenery, making it a truly immersive experience. Director Renee Worthington and project manager Anna Stanley are thrilled with the turnout from last year’s event, which saw over 1,500 attendees brave the terrifying characters and scenes.
Family Night Activities
Family Night will take place on Saturday from 4:30 to 9 p.m. at Riverwalk Crossing Park, featuring a range of activities for all ages. The event will include a free showing of the movie "Monster House" at 7:40 p.m., as well as games, contests, and a self-guided ghost walk through downtown area businesses. Children can enjoy a safe trick-or-treating route, while adults can participate in contests and enjoy live entertainment. The event will also feature storytellers, Halloween photos, and a costume contest parade. With something for everyone, Family Night promises to be a fun and memorable experience for the whole family.
Behind the Scenes
The success of Haunted Downtown Jacksonville is due in large part to the hard work and dedication of its volunteers. High school students, local military service members, and other community members have come together to create the scenes and characters for the Haunted House. Coastal Carolina Community College theatre professor Anna Maria Cancelli has created the theme and overall direction for the Haunted House, while volunteers have collected props and scenery throughout the year. Spirit Halloween has also sponsored the event, donating props and money to support the cause.
Giving Back to the Community
Haunted Downtown Jacksonville is not just about providing entertainment, but also about giving back to the community. Proceeds from the event will support the Sturgeon City Education Programs and holiday dinners provided by the USO to the military and their families. By attending the event, visitors will be contributing to a worthwhile cause while enjoying a fun and spooky experience. With its unique blend of entertainment, community spirit, and charitable giving, Haunted Downtown Jacksonville is an event not to be missed.
Event Details
For those interested in attending Haunted Downtown Jacksonville, the Haunted House will be open from 7 to 11 p.m. at the USO, with tickets available at the door for $8. Family Night will take place on Saturday from 4:30 to 9 p.m. at Riverwalk Crossing Park, with a free showing of "Monster House" at 7:40 p.m. For more information, visitors can check out the event website at haunteddowntown.com. With its range of activities and attractions, Haunted Downtown Jacksonville is sure to provide a memorable experience for visitors of all ages.