Halloooween in the “good old days” was a bit different from today's high-tech animated ghouls and creepy crawly things. But the principle of having fun and wearing disguises remains the same.

The fun of trick-or-treating along with the smells and tastes of the autumn harvest gives people something to look forward to in October. The Ward W. O'Hara Agricultural Museum of Cayuga County plans to capture these feelings at its Old Fashioned Halloween Saturday afternoon with many of its free festivities.

A parade of costumes will take place after the event gets rolling by mid-afternoon. Classic Halloween hallmarks, such as carving jack-o'-lanterns, making carmel candy apples, face painting and coloring contests will keep the mood alive.

Traditional “bobbing” for apples will be done this year without water, as participants “attack” apples suspended from strings. Museum director Timothy Quill said the dangling apples keep things healthy.

Visitors can also hop onto a Model T for a ride around the grounds, adding to the fun. The parade will move throughout the inside of the museum, allowing children to see the various intriguing exhibitions of farm machinery from a century ago.

As the museum is designed in a square with an open courtyard for herbs, paraders will also get samples of fall herbs as they go by. Prizes will be given away for the scariest, funniest and most original costumes. However, costumes are optional.

“I'll be dressed up as the museum director,” Quill joked. He hoped there might be some Ichabod Cranes or Headless Horsemen to add to the decor.

On a lighter note, Mary Ann Finn will play the keyboard and lead a sing-along while visitors munch on apples, popcorn and cookies and enjoy some lemonade punch.

Kathleen Barran

253-5311, ext. 238

kathleen.barran@lee.net