CREDIT: MARIANNE LEVOGIANNIS
Fanshawe Pioneer Village puts on an hour-long haunted hayride every year for the past 16 years. This year the theme is on the strange case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.

Fanshawe Pioneer Village tells the story of rural communities in the former townships of several former townships in Middlesex County from 1820 to 1920 and the founding and development of the city of London up to 1840.

Last weekend they held their historic thanksgiving event, which included how it was celebrated in Victorian times, the history of the apple and how it was preserved, musical performances, cooking demonstrations and a traditional meal from the eighteen hundreds. The haunted village hayrides, however, are the largest and most anticipated event of the year at Fanshawe Pioneer Village.

For the past 16 years, the village has set up themes from plays around the village for a haunted, after-dark hayride that takes you through the story. The focus over the past couple of years has been on traditional, gothic horror stories. Last year’s was an extension of the story of Dr. Frankenstein and his monster, and this year’s theme is the Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde adapted from the Robert Louis Stevenson novel by local playwright Jason Rip.

The hayrides are a family friendly way to get into the Halloween spirit and executive director of Fanshawe Pioneer Village, Sheila Johnson, said it’s quite the experience.

“It’s a great way to celebrate the Halloween season with family. It’s fun, enjoyable and you get to see the Fanshawe Pioneer Village in a totally different light.”

She added that the hayrides are a favourite event and a part of the Halloween tradition for people in London and the surrounding area.

Throughout the hour-long performance, riders get taken through and around the village where different scenes from the chosen play are set up. They do their best to keep groups of friends together to make sure everyone has a good time.

The hay rides run from the 22nd to the 25th and on the 29th and 30th. Tickets can be bought at www.fanshawepioneervillage.ca

Other Halloween themed family events are the pumpkin patch at Covent Garden Market on the 24th, where you can pick pumpkins, and children can come dressed in their costumes, and run through an obstacle course. You can also bring your dog along in their costume for a parade and contest.

On the same day, there is a carnival and parade in Wortley Village with games, a haunted house, live music and pumpkin carving.

On the 25th, Eldon house is hosting a night of ghost stories from the past 180 years in the museum, and looking for ghosts with a special map. For a look at other events head to www.londontourism.ca