West Overton Village gets into ‘spirits’ of Halloween
West Overton Village in Scottdale is getting into the “spirits” of Halloween through “Spirits of Halloween” history tours starting next Wednesday.
The tours invite guests to step into the shadows and explore the origins of Halloween traditions, from ancient Celtic rituals to Victorian parties and today’s trick or treating.
Written using dozens of local newspaper articles and historical sources, the immersive tour highlights the real history of Halloween traditions in southwestern Pennsylvania. It will offer insight on how local Halloween celebrations once spanned days of frightful fun through stories of Chalk Night and Mischief Night.
Tours of the 1838 Overholt Homestead will also be offered by candlelight, and a re-created 1800s Halloween party will have historical sweet treats. The program is not, however, a ghost tour or haunted house, a paranormal investigation or about specific deaths in any historic family associated with West Overton.
All ages are welcome. Each tour is about one hour and involves walking outdoors, up and down stairs, and in the dark. Tours will be offered next Wednesday and on Oct. 29-30 at 6 p.m., 6:30 p.m., 7 p.m., 7:30 p.m. each day.
Registration in advance is encouraged because the tours have limited capacity.
Also this year, West Overton Village is offering specially curated cocktails by West Overton Distilling in the Overholt Stateroom.
Admission is free and it is open to the public Wednesday and Oct. 29-30 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Cocktails will be for sale and benefit the nonprofit West Overton Village.
For information, go online to westovertonvillage.org.