Halloween Happenings Around Merrimack This Weekend

It's the weekend before Halloween and though it appears we're being spared the snowstorm of last year's weekend before Halloween, we can't make any promises for what Monday may bring (cross your fingers and wish for Hurricane Sandy to shoot offshore).

So enjoy the weekend and the wonderful Halloween-themed events it brings to Southern New Hampshire.

1. Haunted Walk at Wasserman Park. Tonight is the annual Haunted Walk at Wasserman Park. Check out the spooky haunted trail, enter the haunted house if you dare and play some family-fun games and enjoy some Halloween Treats while you're there. Haunted Walk at Wasserman Park is from 5-8 p.m. and is free and open to the public. Learn more.

2. YMCA Spooktacular. The YMCA, in conjunction with Century 21, is holding a family spooktacular that will include games, a haunted house, bounce house and more from 2-5 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 26. The event is free to all and will be held at Camp Sargent.3. Ghost trail. Two of several great running races this weekend are the Ghost Train Rail Race, an Ultra race Oct. 27 (which is now full) and a 15-mile race Oct. 28, starting at the Department of Public Works, 289 South Street in Milford. Check out coolrunning.com for other foot races. The Ghost Train Rail Race benefits the Milford and Brookline conservation commissions.

4. Freak out! Want to get scared silly? Check out Nightmare New England at Mel's Funway in Litchfield (it's so much easier to get to thanks to the Airport Access Road) or Fright Kingdom on Simon St. in Nashua. Both haunted houses promise a good scare for those who are brave enough to check it out. Learn more at Nightmare New England and the Fright Kingdom websites.

5. Corn maze scare. Open select evenings in October at Lavoie's Farm in Hollis, NH, The Dark Crop is a haunted walk, through a 3 acre corn field.  No worries; they provide the flashlight, and the "characters" are patiently waiting for you inside.  A percentage of the proceeds are donated to the Improv Troupe at Hollis/Brookline High School. The Dark Crop is open from 7-10 p.m. Friday through Sunday. Cost is $8 for adults and $6 for kids younger than 13. For more information visit www.thedarkcrop.com.