Fall frights and pumpkin spice: Where to celebrate the season in sunny South Florida

BY GENNA NORDLING AND ALEXANDRA SANSONE

The temperatures are high, but the seasonal spirit is higher. Though South Floridians may never get to experience a true fall, they can purchase items and go to events that recreate the cheer that the season brings. The following list contains six events that can make a superficial autumn feel like the real thing.

New Horizon’s Pumpkin Patch
The New Horizon United Methodist Church pumpkin patch has become a staple of Halloween festivities in the Broward County area. The patch is a sign of the fall season, something that doesn’t really occur in South Florida. The patch is a local site, located on Flamingo Road next to the New Horizon United Methodist Church, and serves as a place for people of all ages to pick out and take pictures with pumpkins of all shapes, sizes and colors. New Horizon hosts four pumpkin unloadings, the last being on the October 20. They are looking for volunteers to help them fill the patch. If you are looking for service hours, the chance to do a good deed or just a way to get into the spirit of fall, head on over to the pumpkin patch.

Cooper City’s Trick or Treat Shop-to-Shop
Every year around Halloween, Cooper City hosts an event at Countryside Shops for kids to trick-or-treat at all of the businesses in that plaza. This year, the event has been moved due to construction. Instead, it will be held in the Cooper City Commons shopping center on October 27. The free event will begin at 10 a.m. and end at noon. Costume contests for kids ranging from one and under to middle school age will be held throughout the two-hour timespan. The only requirements to enter are to show up five minutes before the competition starts and for children to be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Flamingo Gardens Harvest Festival
Around the corner in Davie, Flamingo Gardens is hosting a Harvest Festival, featuring a different theme every weekend in October. The festival begins the weekend of October 6 and 7 with the Ninth Annual “Great Scarecrow Weekend” and a corresponding scarecrow contest. The themes of the following weekends are, in order, “Pirates and Princesses,” “Superheroes and Supervillains” and “Halloween,” with each weekend having its own unique activities. Some of the activities that will be featured each weekend are Animal Train Rides, pumpkin decorating, costume contests, live character interactions, games and crafts, and they will be open to the public from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Saint David Fall Carnival
This four-day carnival is hosted by Saint David Catholic Church and features games, food and, of course, lots and lots of fun rides. This year’s carnival will start on October 18 and run until the 21. The carnival presents a great way to hang out with friends and family of any age, as there is something there for everyone. Pre-sale tickets are available now at a discounted rate. Tickets can be purchased to spend on rides, but for those looking to go on numerous rides in one night should invest in the wristband that guarantees unlimited rides. For more information, see the event’s Yelp page..

UNICEF Haunted Trail
Looking for a spooky time? Check out the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) Haunted Trail. Hosted at Bob Roth’s Orange Grove by Kiwanis and Broward County Key Clubs, attending is a good way to have fun while giving back. One ticket for a walk through the themed haunted trail is $5. They proceeds will go towards eradicating tetanus infections, which can be very painful and lethal. The cost of the ticket covers two vaccines for tetanus. Attending this event on October 19 and 20 can save lives and is a fun experience.

Davie Ranch Spook-tacular Halloween Hoedown
After checking out Cooper City’s Trick or Treat Shop-to-Shop, stop by Davie’s Spook-tacular Halloween Hoedown, starting at 4 p.m. and ending at 8 p.m. on October 27. Held at the Davie Ranch, the hoedown offers activities such as a petting zoo, pony rides, hay rides, trick or treating, a costume contest and a horse-and-rider costume parade for the whole family to enjoy. The event will also have a DJ and live entertainment. Pre-sale tickets are $25 for children and $10 for adults. At the door, all tickets will be $35. Pre-sale tickets can be purchased here.

Photo by Kayla Florenco