An unidentified ghoul collects candy during the 2007 march on Main Street. (Bill Giduz photo)

Getting ready for Halloween? You’ll have a variety of ways to celebrate the holiday over the next week in and around Davidson, from the annual Halloween night march on Main Street to scary organ music at Davidson College Presbyterian Church to this Saturday’s Halloween “Spooktacular” festival at North Mecklenburg Park.

Meanwhile, if you’re in the hunt for a pumpkin, they’ve just gotten a fresh shipment at Davidson United Methodist Church’s Pumpkin Patch for Missions.   They’ve got lots of sizes and shapes, including extra-large carving pumpkins, cinderellas, warty pumpkins and more. It’s open daily through Halloween night, Sundays to Fridays noon to 8 p.m. and Saturdays 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

THIS SATURDAY: SPOOKTACULAR

Join the Parks and Recreation Departments of Davidson, Cornelius, and Huntersville, as they present a Halloween “Spooktacular” Saturday, Oct. 25, from 6-9 p.m.  This year’s event will take place at North Mecklenburg Park, 16131 Old Statesville Road, Huntersville.  The event provides a fun way to enjoy Halloween in a festival environment that is safe for families and kids of all ages. Free activities include a costume contest, storytelling, and an after dark egg hunt. Hayrides, carnival games, inflatables, and concessions will be available for minimal charges.  Prices for games and rides range from 50 cents to $5. For more information, call parks and recreation offices in Davidson (704-892-3349), Cornelius (704-892-6031) or Huntersville (704-766-2227).

HALLOWEEN NIGHT MARCH

On Friday, Oct. 31, costumed characters of all ages are invited to Davidson’s annual Halloween March. In parade fashion, participants will march down Main Street receiving tricks and treats from local Davidson merchants. Last year more than 500 children of all ages took part.

This safe and fun event will begin at 5:15 p.m. at Davidson Town Hall, 216 S. Main St. To minimize congestion, event coordinators ask those walking from North Main Street to use the sidewalk behind the buildings to reach the Town Hall and line up along the sidewalk near the police department parking lot. For more information please call 704-892-3349.

SCARY ORGAN MUSIC AT DCPC

Henry Lebedinsky

Keyboardist Henry Lebedinsky at the powerful Wicks organ will play background for the classic horror film “Phantom of the Opera” in the third annual Halloween night scary movie event at Davidson College Presbyterian Church, Main Street and Concord Road in Davidson.

The free event is part of DCPC’s Organ at Davidson series and is offered Friday, Oct. 31, at 7:30 and 11 p.m. in the church sanctuary. For details and directions, visit www.dcpc.org or call 704-892-5641.

“Phantom of the Opera,” based on the Gaston Leroux novel, stars the legendary Lon Chaney in one of his most celebrated and frightening roles. Released in 1925, the film is a classic horror piece, even more frightening with the improvised organ music.

Mr. Lebedinsky is director of music and choirmaster at St. Alban’s Episcopal Church. He currently performs with The Firebird Chamber Orchestra and Seraphic Fire, both in Florida, The Wild Rose Ensemble in California, and The Charlotte Symphony. He also runs the Music at St. Alban’s series and directs the Ecclesia Ensemble, which specializes in Baroque women composers.

HARRY POTTER ON THE OUTDOOR SCREEN

It’s not exactly Halloween, but it does involve witches and wizards. We’re talking about Ben & Jerry’s special fall outdoor movie on Tuesday, Oct. 28: “Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix.” Manager Karen Toney invites everyone to come to the parking lot between the ice cream shop and Summit Coffee on Main Street in Davidson for trivia starting at 6:30. They’ll have a drawing for a flying broom provided by Main Street Books. Bring a lawn chair and a food donation for Loaves & Fishes pantry. The movie starts at dark. Details: 704-892-0604.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE

Oct. 31, 2007, “Halloween hauntings on Main Street.”