The Connection

Springfield

Haunted Pond Jr. at Hidden Pond Nature Center

This program—Friday, Oct. 19 & Oct. 26 at 7 p.m.—covers nocturnal wildlife and local lore features live animals, a walk into the forest at night, a campfire with spell-binding stories, s'mores, and who knows what other happenings! This session will have only mild stories, but the Oct. 26 Haunted Pond will have scary stories. To register, go to http://parktakes.fairfaxcounty.gov/rev1_coursedetail.asp?

Howl-O-Ween at PetSmart

An annual favorite for pet-lovers, the PetSmart Howl-O-Ween on Saturday, Oct. 20 from 3-5 p.m. at 6535 Frontier Drive gives your pets a chance to trick-or-treat. Dress up your pet in costume, and bring them in for fun activities, including a costume contest. You will also be able to purchase a photo of your pet with commemorative frame. For more information, call 703-922-4990.

Tricks & Treats at Petco

Get in the Halloween spirit and take it to Petco, 8070 Rolling Road, Saturday, Oct. 27 from 2-3 p.m. Petco is holding costume competitions this month, and you know your pet is the perfect candidate in that Harry Potter costume. Prizes include Petco gift cards and lots of treats. For more information, call 703-440-6782.

Goblin Golf and Bonfire at Lake Accotink Park Marina

Dare yourself to venture onto the haunted golf course to play a round of miniature golf with glow-in-the-dark golf balls, ride the spooky carousel, and join in storytelling over a cup of hot chocolate around a beach bonfire on Saturday, Oct. 27 from 6-9 p.m. Fun for all ages. Cost is 8$ per person. Costumes welcome but not required. Advance registration requested: Call 703-569-0285 to pay by Visa or Mastercard.

Annual "Howloween" Dog Costume Contest & Boneyard Hunt

Ready for some howlin’ good Halloween fun? Show off your furry family member’s unique personality and compete for special prizes on Saturday, Oct. 27. from 2-4 p.m. at Lake Accotink Park. The contest is followed by a walk through the "boneyard" to sniff out well-earned treats. All dogs must be leashed and friendly toward other dogs, children and people of all ages. Cost is $6 per dog. Advance payment and registration requested: Call 703-569-0285 to pay by Visa or Mastercard.

Burke

Halloween Rocks & More!

Celebrating its 40th anniversary, Kings Park Library, 9000 Burke Lake Road, is hosting a Halloween party and interactive music show for the entire family on Saturday, Oct. 20, from 1-2 p.m. Dance, sing and play in the band! Spooky or kooky costumes are welcome. This event, for all ages, is cosponsored by the Friends of the Kings Park Library. The library is located at 9000 Burke Lake Road in Burke. To register, go to https://va.evanced.info/fairfaxcounty/lib/eventsignup.asp?

6th Annual Halloween Costume Run

South Run RECenter teams up with Burke Lake Park on Saturday, Oct. 20 at 9 a.m. to host the annual Halloween Costume Run at Burke Lake Park. Register by calling South Run at 703-866-0566.

Take a Ride on the Ghost Train at Burke Lake Park

Take a ride through the haunted forest decorated for Halloween with ghosts, goblins, witches and more on Saturday, Oct. 27 and Sunday, Oct. 28 from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Meet costumed characters along the way. The carousel will also be running. The Ghost Train is a joint venture between Northern Virginia Community College and the Fairfax County Park Authority. The cost is $4 per person. For information, call Burke Lake Park at 703-323-6600.

Tricks & Treat at Petco

Get in the Halloween spirit and take it to Petco, 9230B Old Keene Mill Rd, Saturday, Oct. 27 from 2-3 p.m. Petco is holding costume competitions this month, and you know your pet is the perfect candidate in that Harry Potter costume. Prizes include Petco gift cards and lots of treats. For more information, call 703-455-2007.

Lorton

Super-Natural Hayride at Laurel Hill Park

Journey into the past at Laurel Hill Park, site of the former Lorton Prison on Saturday, Oct. 27 at 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. Discover its secrets and the stories of its past while enjoying an old-fashioned hayride. Be prepared for spooky stops at various locations along the way. To get everyone in the mood, Elvis Presley's Jailhouse Rock will be played at the start of the ride. To register, go to http://parktakes.fairfaxcounty.gov/rev1_coursedetail.asp?

Clifton

The Clifton Haunted Trail Buckley Park in Clifton

It’s back! This year’s haunted trail winds through Clifton’s eight-acre Buckley Park on Saturday, Oct. 27 from 7-10 p.m. This year will include several new terrifying skits including re-enactments, popular scary movie scenes and plenty of frightening lighting and props. Parents should accompany children along the Trail. This year the Haunted Trail features several new and scarier skits from zombie land and the legendary headless horseman may ride by on his stallion from time to time.

No flashlights allowed in the park. Arrive early since this popular event tends to get crowded during the later hours. Hardy shoes are recommended.

Also new this year, look out for the new Clifton Haunted Trail t-shirts for sale at the concessions stand. Hot apple cider, fresh pizza by Domino’s, cookies and snacks will be available for sale. Parking is free of charge and will be available at the Clifton Floodplain, Clifton Elementary School and Clifton House Shops where hayrides will take and pick-up trail-goers to the event. For more information, go to www.cliftonhauntedtrail.com.

Fairfax

19th Annual Valvoline Instant Oil Change Goblin Gallop

Sunday, Oct. 28, Fairfax Corner Shopping Center, 1K Fun Run at 8:30 a.m.—5K Run, at 9 a.m.—5K Walk at 9:10 a.m. The Goblin Gallop is a competitive 5 K chip race over a USATF certified course. Prizes for first, second and third place, male and female, are awarded in all group categories from 14 and under to 80 and older. Prizes to the top 3 male and female finishers in the Overall and Masters categories will also be awarded. The Goblin Gallop is also a 1K Fun Run, which annually draws more than 450 youngsters, from teenagers to toddlers. Glow-in-the-dark t-shirts are given to all 5K and 1K runners. Many run in costume, some accompanied by their parents. Every 1K participant receives a runner's medallion! For more information, call 301-840-2042. All proceeds from the Goblin Gallop support the John Quadrino Foundation to Benefit Children with Cancer.