“Ghost Town” Has New Meaning as LBI Revs up for Halloween

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(Newswire.net — October 17, 2016) — Long Beach Island, NJ — Peak-season beach days are over. The summer heat has turned into the fall chill, and Chowder Fest and LBI Fly International Kite Festival have already passed. Does this mean LBI turns into a ghost town? Not technically, but there are some spook-tacular events ahead to draw crowds and put people right into the Halloween spirit!

Saturday, October 22:

Beach Haven’s Fall Festival at Veteran’s Park from 11am- 5pm will bring the community together for a full day of family friendly fun. Like all good fall festivals, local food vendors will be in attendance ready to break you of your beach body. You can work off those yummy calories participating in the town-wide line dancing video shoot, which will film here and be used as promo material for the town. If you’re camera shy, you can still shake off your calories dancing to the live bands scheduled to perform. For those who want to take a whack at competitive eating, sign up for the pie-eating contest. And for the kids, there will be pumpkin painting, pony rides, and a petting zoo. There are other fun things to do for the whole family at the Fall Festival.

In close connection to the Fall Festival is Long Beach Island Historical Association’s (LBIHA) Ghost Fest from 12pm- 4pm at the museum (Engleside Ave & Beach Ave). Proceed with caution as this event features a visit from the real live Jersey Devil. Bwah ha ha ha! Call LBIHA at 609-492-0700 for more details.

Once the festivals tear down, you can have a quick rest before heading up to Barnegat Lighthouse State Park for a night climb and campfire from 7pm- 9pm. The Friends of Barnegat Lighthouse State Parkorganization hosts this event several times a year to encourage education of the lighthouse and show off the lighthouse’s scenic nighttime views of LBI. Being that this night climb is so close to Halloween, come prepared (and early since space is limited) with a ghost story to share around the campfire. Cozy up with your favorite cuddle buddy.

Saturday, October 29:

Surf City Police Department and Volunteer Fire Department are putting on their second annual Trunk-or-Treat event at the Surf City Firehouse from 6pm-8pm. This free event gives the safe and protected trick-or-treat experience to youngsters with peace-of-mind for parents, as all the “trunks” are registered participants to the event. For more information, go to Facebook to see Surf City’s Trick or Treat event.

With the potential of ghosts and goblins (or princesses and superheroes) roaming the island this time of year, you’ll want to have a safe place to check-in for the night like Spray Beach Hotel or Mariner Inn. Both are located on the quiet north side of Beach Haven so you will be close to all of the activities but far enough from the nightlife to get a good night’s sleep.

Happy Halloween! 

About Spray Beach Hotel

Spray Beach Hotel is 1.1. miles from Fantasy Island Amusement Park and Thundering Surf Waterpark, and 1.7 miles from Parker Island Bird Sanctuary. Relaxed rooms feature TVs and free WiFi, as well as microwaves, minifridges, coffeemakers and safes. Suites offer stovetops, dishware and dinettes, and some include pull-out sofas and Jacuzzis. Accommodations have either ocean or pool views. Some units are across the street in an annex. A seafood-centric restaurant has indoor and outdoor seating, plus a lounge. There’s a heated pool and hot tub, and beach chairs and umbrellas are available to rent. Facebook: @SprayBeachInnandRestaurant Instagram: BestofLBI.Buzz