May 19, 2024
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5 Things to do in Will County: Get creative, scared and entertained this weekend

Haunted events, scarecrow decorating and Shakespeare are some of the highlights

By Denise M. Baran-Unland

The Old Joliet Prison Haunted Prison has been created inside of the former women's prison at the old Joliet Correctional Center, seen here on Sept. 7, 2021, and offers two attractions. “Ghost Chamber” takes place in the cell blocks of the former women’s prison. The post-apocalyptic “The Forsaken” takes place outside in the prison yard. (Bob Okon)

1) Spend a weekend decorating a scarecrow for a display in Scarecrow Lane at Dellwood Park in Lockport and for a chance to win up to $250. Thursday is the last day to register. The cost is $20 and frame and straw are provided. Scarecows will be placed along the path behind Challenge Fitness and the Dellwood Park community center. Voting is from Oct. 3 to Oct. 10 at Dellwood Park in these four categories: silliest, artistic, spookiest and cartoon/character. Winners will be announced at 10 a.m. Oct. 11. To register or for more information, visit lockportpark.org, or call 815-838-1183.

2) Come out this weekend to experience two attractions on just one ticket at the Old Joliet Haunted Prison. “Ghost Chamber” takes place in the cell blocks of the former women’s prison. The post-apocalyptic “The Forsaken” takes place outside in the prison yard. Attractions intended for age 12 and up. Pregnant women and people with asthma, epilepsy and/or heart conditions should not attend. The haunted prison is accessible. To see a trailer and event times, purchase tickets and for information, visit hauntedprison.com.

3) For more scares, check out Hayride of Horror and the Curse of the Bayou haunted maze, both at Dellwood Park, 199 E. Woods Drive in Lockport. Times are 7 to 10 p.m. every Friday and Saturday in October. Eerie movies will air on a 20-foot outdoor movie screen and line entertainment will keep patrons excited. Food and drinks available for purchase. Purchase tickets at hayrideofhorror.com or curseofthebayou.com. For more information, visit lockportpark.org or call 815-838-1183.

4) if the play’s your thing, plan to see the performance of “William Shakespeare’s Long First Play (abridged)” written by Austin Tichenor and Reed Martin. Performances are 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 2:30 p.m. Sunday this weekend and next weekend. Five Lewis University students perform the roles of over 50 characters. For ages 13 and up. Ticket purchases are $13 for an adult, $12 for students and seniors. Lewis University students pay $3 with an ID. The running time of the show is approximately 80 minutes. The play is recommended for patrons 13 years and up. To purchase tickets, visit lewisu.edu/pltto or contact the box office at 815-836-5500, or emailingboxoffice@lewisu.edu.

5) Learn about the extreme intelligence of crows and what sets them apart from the rest of the pack during a “Murder of Crows Hike” from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday at the Forest Preserve District’s Four Rivers Environmental Education Center in Channahon. The event is free and for ages 12 and up. Participants 17 or younger must be accompanied by an adult. Registration deadline is Thursday. To register, call 815-722-9470 or visit reconnectwithnature.org.

Would you like your event featured in this weekly feature? The first step is submitting your events to The Herald-News’ community calendar at shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/local-events where they are then considered for inclusion in this feature.