Ever heard of "The Legend of Pope’s
Lane" or "The Domine’s Ride – A Legend of the Old Road?"
These are only two of the tales told along with other traditional
spooky stories at the Lefferts Historic House, all part of this
weekend’s mega-Halloween festival in Prospect Park.
Maria Cobo, director of the Lefferts Historic House told GO Brooklyn
that these scary tales, offered at 2 and 3 pm on Oct. 28 and
Oct. 29, were actually told by Femmetie Lefferts to her children
and grandchildren in the early 19th century. Femmetie’s granddaughter
Gertrude – who also lived in the house – wrote them down and
for 25 years they have been a staple of the "Scary Stories
from the Past" section of Prospect Park’s festivities.
Every year, about 15,000 people make their way to the Halloween
celebration to take part in the "haunted carnival"
(Saturday, from noon to 3 pm), ride the "haunted carousel"
(both days, from noon to 5 pm) or take a "haunted walk"
(Saturday, from noon to 3 pm).
"We’ve been doing our haunted walk and carnival for over
25 years now," Prospect Park Alliance President Tupper Thomas
told GO Brooklyn. "So people who remember coming as kids
are now grown up and bring their own children to the park to
experience it."
The park is also hosting a series of spooky events like the "haunted
barn" at its zoo and "creepy crafts" at the Audubon
Center. The "Boo at the Zoo" activities run from 10
am to 5:30 pm on Saturday and Sunday, while the "Creepy
Crawly Halloween" at the Audubon Center will be open both
days, from noon to 5 pm.
"Halloween in Prospect Park" will be held Oct. 28 and
Oct. 29 in Prospect Park. Enter at Prospect Park Southwest and
16th Street. All events are free except for the carnival, which
is $1.50 and "Boo at the Zoo," which is free with regular
zoo admission ($6 for adults, $2.25 for seniors, and $2 for children
ages 3-12). For more information, call (718) 965-8999 or visit
www.prospectpark.org.
