This popular annual event features a variety of fun and spooky activities for all ages. 

The Maine Wildlife Park will present their popular and growing annual Halloween Fest on Friday and Saturday, October 23 and 24, from 5:30 to 9 p.m. Adults and kids alike should wear their costumes to get into the spooky spirit of Halloween while enjoying a crisp fall evening, when park staff and volunteers will stop at nothing to provide those attending with new thrills and chills.

Back by popular demand, but larger and more elaborate this year, will be the Haunted Woodchuck Tunnel for younger children. Parents may watch their kids at all times as they wriggle through this fun and not too scary activity. For older kids and adults, the Haunted Hay Rides will be bigger and scarier than ever this year, with three wagons running simultaneously and departing every 5 minutes from 6 to 9 p.m.

As they wander throughout the park by the light of dozens of jack ‘o lanterns, guests may also take part in the new Masquerade Parade of Costumes, try to make it through the Quicksand Scuffle, attempt the Jack-o-Lope Ring Toss, and try some Halloween-themed games and activities like the Marshmallow Shooting Gallery, the Giant Serpent Crawl and Aquatic Pumpkin Racing. Cider and donuts will be available at the Friends of the Wildlife Park Snack Shack.

Since there will only be a half moon, event organizers strongly suggest that those attending bring flashlights with fully charged batteries to light their way. The park will provide red cellophane to cover your flashlight beam to improve your night vision.

Located on Route 26 in Gray, the park has plenty of free parking. Regular park admission fees will be charged for this event. Admission is $7.50 for adults, $5.50 for kids and seniors, and free for those ages 3 and under. For more information, call 657-4977 or see www.mainewildlifepark.com.

Owned and operated by the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, the Maine Wildlife Park has over 30 species of native wildlife on display and features wildlife gardens, nature trails, a fish hatchery and other interactive exhibits and displays. The park is open daily, from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., through November 11.