Say 'Boo:' Sarasota, Manatee Counties Celebrate Halloween

MANATEE COUNTY, FL -- Looking for some fun Halloween happenings? Check out these events.

Downtown Bradenton Ghost Tour

The Paranormal Society of Bradenton's Downtown Ghost Tours leave from Riverwalk in front of Pier 22 Tuesdays – Saturdays at 8 p.m. The 90-minute tours include stops at four haunted locations: Main Street, Hampton Inn, Manatee County Court House and Manatee Players Theater (old location).

The cost is $15 for adults and $10 for children ages 6 to 12.

Bradenton Beach Ghost Tour

The Paranormal Society of Bradenton also hosts Beach Ghost Tours leaving from the Island Time Inn Tuesdays through Saturdays at 8 p.m.

The journey begins at Bridge Street with stories about Bridge Tender, the Pier, Drift Inn and Island Time Bar & Grill. Those attending will learn about ship wrecks and the mysterious woman seen on Bradenton Beach.

Fright Night On St. Armands

St. Armands Circle, 300 Madison Drive, Sarasota, will host its annual Fright Night on St. ArmandsWednesday, Oct. 31 from 6 to 8:30 p.m.

St. Armands Circle is transformed for Halloween with decorated store fronts, wandering spirits and spooky characters. Children can trick-or-treat throughout the Circle with numerous retailers and restaurants contributing to the Halloween spirit with customized promotions. In collaboration with the Sarasota High School Theatre Department, a performance of “Thriller” will take place around 8 p.m.

Venice Halloween Parade

Downtown Venice will host its annual Halloween parade in Centennial Park, 200 W Venice Ave., Venice, Wednesday, Oct. 31 from 4 to 6 p.m.

Hundreds of area children (and some adults) will show off their costumes in the annual Venice Main Street/Venice Lions Halloween Parade. The parade down Venice Avenue will begin promptly at 4:30 p.m.

More than 500 children are expected to receive candy treats from members of the Venice Lions Club, sponsors of the parade for 60 years. Following the brief parade, children will be free to trick-or-treat for more goodies at stores along Venice Avenue.

Woodland Fall Festival

Woodland Community Church, 9607 E. State Road 70 Bradenton, will host the free Woodland Fall Festival Wednesday, Oct. 31, from 6:30 to 9 p.m.

Woodland is offering a traditional trunk-or-treat along with a carnival, games, food and bounce houses. Kids are welcome to wear non-scary costumes.

Image via Paranormal Society of Bradenton

(For more local news from Florida, click here to sign up for real-time news alerts and newsletters from Patch. If you have an iPhone, click here to get the free Patch iPhone app; download the free Patch Android app here.)