Frights, Lights, and Carnival Nights: Haledon's Haunted Carnival

Written/Pictures by Alessandro Villarreal

The night air was still, but Samuel Braen Memorial Park was alive with screams and flashing lights. I was drawn from the darkness toward the glow of the Ferris wheel, a colorful, spinning beacon against the black October sky. I came expecting the simple joys of a carnival —candy apples and games. Instead, I found myself in a different kind of spectacle... This was the Haledon PBA Local #349’s Annual "Haunted Halloween Carnival," a spooktacular event that ran from October 16-19 at Roe Street Field, Haledon.

To accommodate the crowds, the street leading to the entrance was closed, with the REC center across from it serving as the main parking area for attendees. At the park entrance, the Haledon Police, who hosted the event, were present managing the admission —very affordable at $3 per person— which got you a green wristband. Their table was also stocked with lollipops, adding a sweet treat to the spooky atmosphere. Once inside, you could buy individual tickets at the booth or get a blue wristband for unlimited access to all the rides. Stock for the blue wristbands was limited so late-arriving attendees had to opt for hoarding tickets to get into every ride.

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Once inside, the field was a maze of classic carnival rides, some including the spinning "Tornado", the twirling "Tempest", a Ball Crawl, the towering "Zipper", and the classic swings. Between the rides, a variety of food stands offered carnival favorites like candy apples, "sno-kones", and fried Oreos. But the true spirit of the season was in the lurking horrors. Giant monsters, including a werewolf, a sinister scarecrow, and the iconic Nosferatu the vampire, guarded the field.

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The night's most memorable moment, however, came from an unexpected source. One of the officers embraced the spirit of the event by dressing as the terrifying "Art the Clown". He spent the whole night playfully chasing children and posing for photos, adding a thrilling, interactive element to the carnival. Later, he was even spotted joining families under the purple stage lights to dance to the "Cha-Cha Slide" and "Party Rock Anthem".

Overall, the Haunted Halloween Carnival was a huge success, offering a great balance of spooky thrills and family-friendly fun. The Haledon PBA provided a lively and safe event for the entire community to enjoy. The mix of rides, games, and unique decorations made it a standout celebration for the Halloween season. It was a fantastic way for residents to come together and make some spooky memories. As the carnival lights fade and the monsters return to their lairs, we wish you all a delightfully frightful Halloween. May your nights be filled with screams!