September 1, 2018

Halloween In Omaha

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After years of adding Halloween events to my monthly events roundups, it’s time to just give Halloween its own post. Here’s a list of events, movie screenings, date night ideas, and free activities to celebrate Halloween. Most are kid-friendly, but some are definitely not. 

The following are things to do in Omaha leading up to Halloween 2018. If you know of an event to add, please let me know at ohmyomaha@gmail.com!

A roundup of Halloween events in Omaha including costume balls, trunk or treats, movies, and more ways to celebrate #spooky #kidfriendly #nebraska

Kid-friendly & Teen Halloween Events

Cobweb Castle, Sept. 29 through Oct. 31 during museum hours, Omaha Children’s Museum, 500 S. 20th St., included with regular museum admission

Howl-O-Ween Safari, Oct. 5 and 6 at 6 p.m., Wildlife Safari Park, 16406 N. 292 St., Ashland, Neb., $20 for members and $25 for non-members (VIP passes to enter one hour early are $30 for members and $35 for non-members

Planes, Trains & Autos Halloween Event, Oct. 6 and 7 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Strategic Air Command and Aerospace Museum, 28210 W. Park Highway, Ashland, Neb., included with regular museum admission

Witches Tea, Oct. 13 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Mangelson’s 3457 S. 84th St., FREE

Spooky Saturday, Oct. 13 from 3 to 4 p.m., Omaha Public Library South Omaha branch, 2808 Q St. (best for ages 5-11), FREE

Spooktacular, Oct. 13, 14, 19, 20, 21, 26, 27, and 28, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium, $8.95 for members and $9.95 for non-members 

Teen Hangout: Omaha Urban Legends, Oct. 18 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Omaha Public Library South Omaha branch, 2808 Q St., FREE

Horror Movie Trivia 7: Halloween Edition, Oct. 18 from 8 to 10:30 p.m., The Waiting Room Lounge, 6212 Maple St., FREE

LEGO Club: Halloween Edition, Oct. 19 from 4:30 to 5:45 p.m., Omaha Public Library South Omaha branch, 2808 Q St., FREE

Tricks & Treats, Oct. 19 from 6 to 8 p.m., Westwood Plaza at 120th and Center streets, FREE

Trick or Treat with the Animals of Gifford Farm, Oct. 20 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., ESU#3 – Gifford Farm Education Center, 700 Camp Gifford Road, Bellevue, Neb., $5 per trick-or-treater (cash or check only)

Monster’s Masquerade, Oct. 20 from 6 to 9 p.m., Omaha Children’s Museum, 500 S. 20th St., $20 for members and $25 for non-members

The Great Hall-oween Haunt, Oct. 23 from 5 to 8 p.m., The Durham Museum, 801 S. 10th St., included with regular museum admission

Anime Club: Horror Edition (Teens), Oct. 25 from 4 to 5:30 p.m., Omaha Public Library Washington branch, 2868 Ames Ave., FREE

Healthy Trick or Treat Night, Oct. 23 and 30, 5:30 to 8 p.m., Omaha Children’s Museum, 500 S. 20th St., included with regular museum admission

Jeff Quinn’s Spooky Magic Show, Oct. 26 at 2 p.m., Omaha Public Library Abrahams branch, 5111 N. 90th St., FREE

HETRA’s Stall and Treat Halloween Party With The Horses, Oct. 26 from 5 to 7 p.m., 10130 S. 222nd St., Gretna, Neb., FREE

Teen Halloween Hunger Games Lock-In, Oct. 26 from 6:30 to 9 p.m., Omaha Public Library Abrahams branch, 5111 N. 90th St., FREE (registration required)

Trick-Or-Treat At The Museum, Oct. 27 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Union Pacific Museum, 200 Pearl St, Council Bluffs, Iowa, FREE

Omaha’s Great Pumpkin Festival, Oct. 27 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Village Pointe Shopping Center, 17305 Davenport St., FREE

Saddlebrook Spooktacular, Oct. 27 from 10:30 a.m. to noon, Omaha Public Library Saddlebrook branch, 14850 Laurel Ave., FREE 

DIY Potion Bottles (Teens), Oct. 27 from noon to 2 p.m., Omaha Public Library Florence branch, 2920 Bondesson St., FREE 

Halloween BOO! Cruise: A Family Adventure!, Oct. 27 from noon to 1 p.m., River City Star, 151 Freedom Park Road, $16 for adults, $13 for seniors/military, $10 for children (12 and younger), and $4 for wee ones (ages 18 months and younger)

Haunted Escape Room (Teens), Oct. 27 from 1 to 3 p.m., Omaha Public Library Saddlebrook branch, 14850 Laurel Ave., FREE 

Haunted House, Oct. 27 from 1 to 5 p.m., Omaha Public Library Millard branch, 13214 Westwood Lane, FREE (registration required)

Spooky Science, Oct. 27 from 2 to 3 p.m., Omaha Public Library South Omaha branch, 2808 Q St., FREE

Teen Cafe: Halloween Treats, Oct. 27 from 2 to 3:30 p.m., Omaha Public Library Abrahams branch, 5111 N. 90th St., FREE

Second Annual Halloween Bash, Oct. 27 from 3 p.m. to midnight (poker for adults held at 6 and 9 p.m), VFW 247, 3302 Leavenworth St.

Spooky Science for Teens, Oct. 27 from 4 to 5 p.m., Omaha Public Library South Omaha branch, 2808 Q St., FREE

Trick or Treat in the Forest, Oct. 27 from 4 to 7 p.m., Fontenelle Forest, 1111 Bellevue Blvd. N, Bellevue, Neb., $5 each for members and $15 each for non-members, and FREE for children ages 2 and younger

Trunk or Treat, Oct. 27 from 4:30 to 6 p.m., Chick-fil-A, 6310 N. 72nd St., FREE

Ghoulish Garden Adventure, Oct. 28 from noon to 4 p.m., Lauritzen Gardens, 100 Bancroft St., included with regular garden admission

Halloween Hoopla, Oct. 28 from 1 to 3 p.m., Shadow Lake Towne Center, 72nd Street and Highway 380, Papillion, Neb., FREE

Old Market Fall Festival, Oct. 28 from 1 to 4 p.m., various locations in the Old Market, FREE

Symphony Spooktacular “Out of this World,” Oct. 28 at 2 p.m. (pre-show activities begin about 45 minutes before the show), Holland Performing Arts Center, 1200 Douglas St., $15

Trick-or-Treat At Regency, Oct. 29, 5 to 6:30 p.m., Regency Court 120, Regency Parkway, FREE

Touch A Truck & Trick-Or-Treat, Oct. 29 from 5 to 8 p.m., Quaker Steak & Lube, 3320 Mid America Dr, Council Bluffs, Iowa, FREE (kids meals are $1)

Tiny Tots Halloween Party, Oct. 30 from 10 a.m. to noon, Omaha Public Library Sorensen branch, 4808 Cass St., FREE

Spooky Project Runway Challenge (Teens), Oct. 30 from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m., Omaha Public Library Sorensen branch, 4808 Cass St., FREE (registration required)

Halloween Fun Fest, Oct. 31 from 10:30 a.m. to noon, Omaha Public Library Main branch, 215 S. 15th St., FREE

Haunted Houses

Camp Fear, Riverwest Park, 23301 West Maple Road, Elkhorn, Neb., open Sept. 14 through Oct. 31, depends on the attraction

Dead Manor Haunted House, 7328 S. 179th St., open Oct. 26-38 and Oct. 31, free will donation

Madness Haunted House, 1751 Madison Ave., Council Bluffs, Iowa, open Sept. 14 through Oct. 31

Mystery Manor, 716 N. 18th St., $14 (save $2 if purchased online; fast pass is $25), open Sept. 14 through Oct. 31

Ranch of Terror and “Darkness” The Hayride Experience, Bellevue Berry Farm and Pumpkin Ranch, 11001 S. 48th St., open Sept. 21 through Oct. 28, Ranch of Terror and Hayride Experience are $13 each or $22 for a combo, 

Scary Acres, 17272 Giles Road, open Sept. 14 through Oct. 31, $10-11 for each attraction or $25 for a combo of all three

The Shadow’s Edge, 3457 S. 84th St., open Sept. 21 through Oct. 31

Movies to get you in the Halloween Spirit

Drive-In Movies at Falconwood Park, movie starts at dusk, 905 Allied Road, Bellevue, Neb., $7-$20; movies include “Monster’s Inc.” (Sept. 27), “Rocky Horror Picture Show” (Oct. 4), “Twilight” (Oct. 11), “Hocus Pocus” (Oct. 18), “Coraline”/”Hotel Transylvania” double header (Oct. 21), “The Nightmare Before Christmas” (Oct. 25), and “The Craft”/”Zombieland” double feature (Oct. 27)

Nightmare Theater, Sept. 14 through Oct. 31, movie starts at dusk, Riverwest Park, 23301 West Maple Road, Elkhorn, Neb., $5 per person and kids under 5 are FREE (admission is FREE Oct. 29-31); movies include “Children on the Corn” – “Pet Cemetery” (Sept. 14), “House of the Devil” – “Silent Hill” (Sept. 15), “Hotel Transylvania”- “Franken Weenie” – “Hocus Pocus” (Sept. 21 Family Night), ” “The Shining” – “What We Do in the Shadows” – “Orphan” (Sept. 22), “The Bye Bye Man” – “The Crooked Man” – “The Candyman” (Sept. 28), “Jeepers Creepers” – “Happy Death Day” – “The Apparition” (Sept. 29), “Jeepers Creepers 3” – “The Conjuring” (Sept. 30), “The Boy” – “The Lost Boys” (Oct. 4), “Scared Shreckless” – “Beetlejuice” – “Goosebumps” (Oct. 5 Family Night), “The Exorcist” – “Hereditary” – “Insidious” (Oct. 6), “You’re Next” – “Vacancy” (Oct. 7), “House on Haunted Hill” – “The Hills Have Eyes” (Oct. 11), “Evil Dead” – “Cult of Chucky” – “Friday the 13th (original)” (Oct. 12), “IT (2017)” – “Rob Zombie’s “31” – “House October Built 2” (Oct. 13), “Fright Night” – “Poltergeist (original)” (Oct. 14), “Alien” – “Aliens” (Oct. 18), “Nightmare on Elm Street (original)” – “Dark Tapes” – “Prince of Darkness” (Oct. 19), “Texas Chainsaw (1974)” – “Ax Murders of Villisca, IA” – “Annabelle Creation” (Oct. 20), “Ghost House” – “Death House” (Oct. 21), “Mom and Dad” – “The Strangers” (Oct. 25), “Night of the Living Dead” – “Shaun of the Dead” – “Return of the Dead” (Oct. 26), “Rob Zombie Halloween” – “House of 1000 Corpses” – “Devils Rejects” (Oct. 27), “Amityville Horror (2005)” – “Sinister” (Oct. 28), “Halloween (original)” (Oct. 29), “Trick R Treat” (Oct. 30), and “Halloween 3” (Oct. 31)

Adults-Only Halloween Events

Need an excuse to dress up? Here are some events you’re not going to want to bring the kids to:

Wizards Assemble Pub Crawl, Sept. 13 from 4 to 10 p.m., starts at Old Chicago, 1111 Harney St., $20 (price will increase)

Boos and Birdies 1st Annual Halloween Scramble, Oct. 12 at 1 p.m., Knolls Golf Course, 11630 Sahler St., $60 per person (4-person scramble)

I Love The 90s Bar Crawl, Oct. 13 from 2 to 10 p.m., $15

Spooks & Spokes Bike Scavenger Hunt Ride, Oct. 20 at noon, start at Pint 9 Brewery, 10411 Portal Road, suite 104, Papillion, Neb., $40 for a team of two (includes T-shirt)

Halloween Party, Oct. 20 from 7 p.m. to midnight, Wired Pub & Grill, 5338 N. 103rd St.

Halloween Cookie Decorating, Oct. 27 from 10 a.m. to noon, Jen’s Custom Cookies, 51st and Jefferson streets, $31.50

Masquerade at the Castle, Oct. 26 and 27 from 7 to 11 p.m., Joslyn Castle, 3902 Davenport St., $85 for general admission or $76.50 for Keyholders

Halloween Party, Oct. 27 at 8:30 p.m., New Frontier Bar, 8516 N. 30th St., FREE (maybe?)

Cult Classic Live, Oct. 30 at 8:30 p.m. (doors open at 7:30 p.m.), Reverb Lounge, 6121 Military Ave., $10 in advance & $12 at the door

Hip Hop Halloween, Oct. 31 from 9 p.m. to midnight (doors open at 8 p.m.), Reverb Lounge, 6121 Military Ave., $8

Want more ideas?

These aren’t necessarily Halloween events, but they’re great fall activities:

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October 10, 2017

Vala’s Scavenger Hunt

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A day at Vala’s Pumpkin Patch in Gretna, Neb., is not enough to see and do all the free activities. I’ve tried. There’s plenty to do just walking around and stumbling on fun activities. But, if you’re a regular at Vala’s or a season pass holder, here’s the Vala’s Scavenger Hunt to spice up your next visit.

Vala’s Pumpkin Patch is one of the biggest tourist attractions in the area and it’s only open about 45 days a year!

This scavenger hunt is great for groups. I know this since I did a version of it during a work outing recently. I’ve altered it some, but the fun tasks and hard-to-find items are all the brainchild of two Omaha Children’s Museum colleagues, Amy and Grace. It’s great when you work with such creative people!

Vala’s Scavenger Hunt

This scavenger hunt is specific to Vala’s Pumpkin Patch and the unique things found there, so it won’t work at other pumpkin patches. That said, if you think you know Vala’s, this hunt is going to prove you wrong!

Sure, the Henway Piano is easy to find, but good luck finding everything else on the Vala’s Scavenger Hunt,

Here are a few suggestions for the Vala’s Scavenger Hunt. You don’t have to use these rules, but they helped with our hunt:

– Teams must stick together to complete the scavenger hunt. Splitting up is not allowed.

– Set a time limit. Our time limit was strict, and any team that arrived late was docked 25 points for each minute past the end time. This kept things pretty fair.

– Make sure at least one member on each team has a phone with a lot of storage space for the photos and videos.

 

Download the Vala’s Scavenger Hunt

Download the scavenger hunt here! This is free to use for personal use. Please do not reshare this on any other site without my permission.

 

If you go

Vala’s Pumpkin Patch

Where: 12102 S. 180th St., Gretna, Neb.

When: Opened seasonally starting mid-September through Oct. 31, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Website

 

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October 29, 2015

Fun Things To Do In Omaha Oct. 29-Nov. 1

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This city celebrates Halloween in a big way. I’ve written a lot about it (see 50+ fun things to do in October list or the zoo’s Spooktacular post for examples of things to do this weekend). I tried to find things to do this weekend that A) I haven’t already mentioned in Thursdays past or B) doesn’t involve wearing a costume. Guys, that’s hard to do this weekend.

It’s all about Halloween these next few days.

So I went with a sport theme, instead.

Here are three fun things to do this weekend in Omaha, and one won’t even require you to wear costume:

 

Baseballoween Bash

Baseballoween

When: Tonight, 5 to 8 p.m.

Where: Werner Park, 12356 Ball Park Way, Papillion, Neb.

Why: It’s FREE and all things Halloween at a baseball field, including trick or treating in the suites and a haunted house.

Who’d like this: All ages; families on a budget; baseball fans; moms who’ve been looking for a reason to dust off their “A League of their Own” costumes

 

“Football: The Exhibit”

logo-Strategic-Air-Space-Museum

When: Daily through Jan. 3, 2016, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Where: The Strategic Air & Space Museum, 28210 West Park Highway, Ashland, Neb.

Why: Your kids love sports and you simply cannot do one more thing that involves glitter costume makeup.

Who’d like it: Sports fans; families who like SASM who are just looking for a new reason to visit

 

Lancers vs. Lincoln Stars

 

Edited Oct. 31, 2015:

 

When: Saturday, 7:05 p.m. (trunk or treat in the parking lot from 6 to 7 p.m., plus treat stations on the concourse). Note from Kim: I heard from the Lancers that the trick or treating is from 5 to 6 p.m. Get there early!HALLOWEEN 2

Where: Ralston Arena, 7300 Q St.

Why: Combine a big rivalry played out on ice with trick or treating, and the whole family is happy (kinda. You know the kids will complain about not trick or treating the neighborhood, regardless).

Who’d like it: Hockey fans; sporty families; dads who’ve been dying for a chance to dress like Wayne and Garth playing street hockey

Tip: They have costume contests going on that night. 

 

Need more ideas? Head over to Out with Sprout and check out their calendars for more ideas.

 

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October 21, 2015

Fun Things To Do In Omaha Oct. 23-25

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It’s the weekend before Halloween. Could you even consider doing something not Halloween-related? I didn’t think so. Below, you’ll find three spooky and fun things to do in Omaha (or nearby) this weekend.

If you want more ideas, I have a crazy long list of 50+ Fun Things To Do In October. Or head to Out With Sprout – they keep track of a ton of events.

Plus, you can’t forget this weekend are two Spooktaculars you don’t want to miss: The Omaha Zoo’s Spooktacular and Omaha Symphony’s “Symphony Spooktacular.”

 

Trunk or Treat

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When: Friday, 6 to 7:30 p.m.

Where:  Sarpy YMCA, 1111 E. First St., Papillion, Neb.

Why: Most YMCAs have Halloween events planned this weekend, and this one looks like a lot of fun inside and out. All-ages stuff are planned, including a toddler tumbling room, tattoo station, pumpkin blowing, bounce houses, treasure chest,

Who’d like this: Active families; families on a budget; kids of all ages; little ghouls and boys

 

Kids Concoctions: Zombie Walk

Screen Shot 2015-10-21 at 9.00.49 PM

When: Saturday, 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.

Where: Council Bluffs Public Library, 400 Willow Ave., Council Bluffs, Iowa

Why: Kids love zombies. It’s a fact. At this event, they’ll learn how to make fake blood, scabs and skin.

Who’d like this: Kids in grades kindergarten through sixth grade; zombie hunters

 

 

Enchanted Forest

My little Minions on a fall hike at Hitchcock Nature Center one year.

My little Minions on a fall hike at Hitchcock Nature Center one year.

When: Sunday, 1 to 3 p.m.

Where: Hitchcock Nature Center, 27792 Ski Hill Loop, Honey Creek, Iowa

Why: It’s the perfect time of year to visit Hitchcock with the leaves changing. It’s just icing on the Halloween cake that you can hike a themed trail with your costumed kiddos, and enjoy activities like pumpkin carving at the same time.

Who’d like this: Active families; outdoorsy types; kids of all ages

 

 

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October 15, 2015

Fun Things To Do In Omaha Oct. 16-18

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I’m going budget this weekend with my picks: Two freebies and one that’s rather budget-friendly. Hope you like these three fun things to do in Omaha!

“Alice in Wonderland” Family Party

omaha-public-library-logo

When: Saturday, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.

Where: Benson Public Library, 6015 Binney St.

Why: Because we’re all a little mad here. And you know “Alice in Wonderland” turned 150 this year, so it’s time to celebrate with a tea party and games. It’s all FREE.

Who’d like this: LIterary fans; Mad Hatters; kids who like dress up; families on a budget

 

Holland Stages Festival

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When: Saturday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. (Kids Zone is from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.)

Where: Holland Performing Arts Center, 1200 Douglas St.

Why: It’s your chance to see tons of performances of all genres for FREE – including aerial dance by BANDALOOP at 1, 2:30 and 4 p.m. (I’m super excited about this!)

Who’d like this: Live music lovers; theater and dance fans; kids of all ages; families on a budget

Disclaimer: My day job is with Omaha Performing Arts, who is putting on this shindig to celebrate the Holland Center’s 10th anniversary. This is not a sponsored post by OPA, all opinions are my own.

 

Trick or Treat With Animals

When: Saturday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Where: Gifford Farm, 700 Camp Gifford Road, Bellevue, Neb.

Why: You love all things Halloween, but your kid’s a little young for super spooky stuff.

Who’d like this: Kids who love animals; younger trick or treaters

Tip: This one’s not free, it’s $5 per trick or treater (includes hayride); accompanying adults are FREE.

Need more ideas? Check out 40+ Fun Things To Do In October or visit Out With Sprout. You know what else is starting this weekend?! The Omaha Zoo’s Spooktacular! Check out my post about it here.

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October 6, 2015

2015 ‘Symphony Spooktacular’ + Giveaway

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The Omaha Symphony’s annual “Symphony Spooktacular” is officially my family’s kick off to Halloween each year. Held about a week or so before Halloween , it’s a kid-friendly concert with pre-show activities (such as my kids’ favorite, instrument petting zoo) and orchestra members dressed in goofy costumes.

It’s about an hour-long concert – the perfect length – and once it’s over, kids trick-or-treat in the lobby.

Now how’s that for a symphony outing?

We all enjoy it. The kids get to dress up. We all get to hear good music. It’s a tradition now.

Symphony Spooktacular Logo copy

The 2015 “Symphony Spooktacular” is Sunday, Oct. 25, at the kid-friendly time of 2 p.m.

If you want to go this year, read on for a special giveaway!

 

What can you expect this year?

Costume contest among the musicians. This is a fun one. You kinda expect professional musicians to be serious, but at this concert (at all family concerts, actually), they let loose and have some fun. My favorites are always the group costumes.

Special guests. In past shows, we saw martial arts students perform, a magician, “Star Wars” characters and more!

Surprises. There’s always a surprise.

 

If you go

“Symphony Spooktacular”

When: Sunday, Oct. 25, 2 p.m.

Where: Holland Performing Arts Center, 1200 Douglas St.

Cost: $12 (everyone must have a ticket). Get your tickets here. 

Tip: Seats are general admission, so get there early to snag good seats, then go explore the pre-show activities.

 

Giveaway!

Symphony Spook giveaway

 

One lucky Oh My! Omaha reader will win a family four-pack of tickets to Omaha Symphony’s “Symphony Spooktacular”! There are three chances to enter:

1. Leave a comment: Tell me what would be the funniest group costume of 2015. What would your family dress up as?

2. Share it on Facebook: Share this post on Facebook. Here’s an example of what you could writer: Enter to win a family four-pack to the Omaha Symphony’s “Symphony Spooktacular”! http://wp.me/p3qlLN-1IV. Once you share it, come back here and post a comment that you did and share the link. Due to privacy settings, I probably won’t be able to see your post, but I trust you guys. Honor system.

3. Share it on Twitter. Tweet this: Enter to win tickets to @omahasymphony Symphony Spootacular via @ohmyomaha http://wp.me/p3qlLN-1IV. Come back here and leave a comment with a link to the tweet.

Please make separate comments so it’s easier for me to track each entry!

Thanks and good luck!

The nitty gritty: Giveaway ends Oct. 18 at 11:59 p.m. Must be 18 years or older to enter. Winner will be randomly drawn using Random.org. Winner will be contacted via email within 48 hours of the end of the giveaway, and will have 48 hours to respond to receive details on how to get the tickets.

 

Disclaimer: Thanks to the Omaha Symphony for providing the family four-pack of tickets for this giveaway. The Omaha Symphony also provided a complimentary four-pack of tickets for my family to attend the “Symphony Spooktacular” as well.  

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