Pumpkins line Maple Lane near the McGuffey birthplace yard Oct. 5 during Hallowe’en Nights at The Henry Ford.
Friendly sales-sorcerers from Witch Hazel’s Used Broom Lot on the Village Green greet guests Oct. 5 during Hallowe’en Nights at The Henry Ford.
By SUE SUCHYTA
Times-Herald Newspapers
DEARBORN – Despite the steady rain on opening day Oct. 5, umbrella-toting guests arrived at The Henry Ford in throngs for the annual sold-out Hallowe’en Night tradition at Greenfield Village.
Costumed characters and entertainers were interspersed throughout the village, with a welcoming witch awaiting guests as they entered the village, and sales-sorcerers selling rides at Witch Hazel’s Used Broom Lot.
Madame Zaza looked into her crystal ball and chatted with guests in the shadow of the statue of “the Wizard of Menlo Park,” who wore his annual robe and pointy hat courtesy of the stitch wizards in THF costume shop.
The friendly undertaker outside the Martha-Mary Chapel was quick to tell guests that empty plots were available in the nearby graveyard, while used coffin sales down the road allowed for unique photo opportunities.
Festival food was abundant, with pulled pork on rice with barbecue sauce a favorite. Stopping for flavored popcorn or candied almonds on Main Street is also a recommended stop on one’s route.
Costumed characters greet guests on Main Street Oct. 5 during Hallowe’en Nights at The Henry Ford.
The horse-drawn village omnibus provided an historic ride around the village, while the steam locomotive, with spooky decorations, encircled the complex, providing surprises along the route.
Storytelling was a feature at historic buildings throughout the venue, with selections from Edgar Allan Poe spookily intoned over a loudspeaker near the Village Green.
Singers, scenarios and side shows are part of the package, and as darkness falls, eerie lighting and glow-in-the-dark skeletons provide additional thrills.
The trick is to take time to stroll through the village and stop and enjoy the unexpected entertainment one encounters. Don’t try to do everything, but enjoy a leisurely pace, talk to the characters and compliment their amazing costumes.
Be prepared for the vagaries of Michigan weather, wear comfortable shoes with street clothes or a costume, and enjoy the kickoff to Halloween.
For information about other upcoming events at The Henry Ford, including the Mandela exhibit, which opens Oct. 21, or Holiday Nights, which run weekends in December (with tickets on sale to the public Nov. 1) go to thehenryford.org.
The Greenfield Village Omnibus awaits passengers near the Richart Wagon Shop Oct. 5 during Hallowe’en Nights at The Henry Ford.
A spooky spirit glares down at guests from the Ford Home pasture Oct. 5 during Hallowe’en Nights at The Henry Ford.
Umbrellas were the most popular and practical costume accessory Oct. 5 during Hallowe’en Nights at The Henry Ford.
A friendly undertaker greets guests near the Martha-Mary Chapel Oct. 5 during Hallowe’en Nights at The Henry Ford.
A pumpkin pyramid overlooks the Village Green Oct. 5 during Hallowe’en Nights at The Henry Ford.