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There’s a lot going on for Halloween in Fort Myers and Naples this year, and here is a quick list to help you find out about some of the events

Halloween Express Mini Train

October 16 – October 31, 2006
Lakes Park, 7330 Gladiolus Drive, Fort Myers
(239) 432-2029
www.leeparks.org

Take this train and you’ll be riding scared. Starting October 16 and running through October 31, the train winds its way through a spooky fall landscape of pumpkin patches, fogged tunnels, animated ghosts and even the Grim Reaper. Daily train rides start at 10 a.m. (noon on Sundays). Closing times are 1:45 p.m. weekdays, 3:45 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, and nightly 7 p.m. to 9:45 p.m.

There’s a free event in downtown Fort Myers on Halloween night. The fiendish festivities start at 7 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 31, at locations throughout the River District.

The headline event is a free performance by Juliette and the Licks, featuring Academy Award-nominated actress Juliette Lewis. Ms. Lewis has starred in dozens of movies, including “Cape Fear,” “Natural Born Killers,”

“From Dusk Till Dawn” and “Old School.” Ms. Lewis takes the stage at 9 p.m., following local band Patrick Jerome and the Jam.

More events for Halloween this year include:

• Patio De Leon Gruesome Graveyard: If you dare, wander through the Patio De Leon, which Roger and Stacey Mercado will transform into a spooky cemetery with lots of scary surprises!
• Creepy Creatures Exhibit: Get close up with native Florida creepy creatures from the Calusa Nature Center, including scary snakes, alarming alligators, revolting reptiles and more.
• Historic Haunted Walking Tour: The experts at the Southwest Florida Museum of History and Southwest Florida Paranormal Investigations will take you on a guided walk where you will learn about local hauntings and eerie happenings in the River District.
• Haunted Construction Maze: Find your way through the construction maze throughout downtown which will be scarier than ever, promising chills and thrills to kids of all ages.
• Harrowing Horse and Carriage Rides: Charlene’s Classic Carriages will offer horse and carriage rides through historic downtown — watch out for the Headless Horseman. A small fee applies.
• Communication from Beyond: Find out what your future holds. Psychics will tell your fortune upstairs at the French Connection Café at the corner of First and Jackson Streets. A small fee applies.
• Haunted House: Gather up your courage and walk through the frightful haunted house at Venu! You’ll find this dreadful dwelling at 2278 First Street between 7 and 9 p.m. A small fee applies.
• Scare Zones: Ghosts, goblins, monsters and more from Hideaway Sports Bar and Salon Nicholas will be waiting for you on Dean Street and Bayview Court. Be prepared to be scared.
• Trick or Treat Locations: Many River District shops will be open for business and will have candy and treats for the kids… while many of the restaurants and bars will have specials and contests for the adults.
• Vampire Blood Drive: The Lee Memorial Blood Center’s Bloodmobile will be located on Broadway Street where vampires will suck your blood to help replenish the area’s blood supply. Treats and prizes to participants.

The Harry Chapin Food Bank will be accepting donations — bring nonperishable food items to help others in our community.

Get your VIP toe tag. VIP Sponsorship packages cost $200 and include two passes for the VIP concert viewing area and two passes to the VIP after-party at Spirits of Bacchus. Single sponsorships are available for $100. All proceeds go to the Spooktacular event budget.

Purchase a VIP sponsorship at the following locations: Spirits of Bacchus, 1406 Hendry Street, 689-2675; H2, 2214 Bay Street, 226-1687; Browtopia, 2222 Second Street, 337-BROW

(source: Florida Weekly)