The queen gets quite a scare! (Photo courtesy of parenfaire.com)

Who: Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire

What: Halloween celebration for young and old

When: October weekends 15th/16th, 22nd/23rd, 29th/30th, 11 AM to 8 PM

Where: Mount Hope Estate and Winery (Lancaster County, Rt 72)

The queen invites one and all to join in spooky merrymaking and ghoulish delight during the closing weeks of the 2011 PA Ren Faire season, as a way to celebrate the coming of All Hallows Eve.  As always, the Faire has something for everyone to enjoy, be they harmless, wee shire-folk or loud, bawdy pirates.  Costume contests will be held for both children and adults, and trick-or-treating will be available for the little ones who wish to join in the fun.  Also, try your hand at the Haunted Halloween Treasure Hunt, or perhaps ye be brave enough to dare approach the Terrible Touchy Boxes, full of nasty surprises dug up by the Shire gravedigger!

The Faire will host many musical talents during these last weeks, including performances by Rising Regina, a band blending the best of American and Celtic music.  Or, if your ears crave the melody of an older era, then be sure to see Terra Serpentis, a band that creates a magical concoction of both the modern underground and neo-medieval music scenes.

Guests can also enjoy discounts at the Mount Hope Winery and various shops across the grounds.  And don’t forget to pick up a famous turkey leg!