Smithtown Historical Society hosts a spooky Halloween experience
By Jennifer Donatelli
Goblins and ghosts. Witches and warlocks. They’re all part of a new family-friendly Spooky Woods and Trick O’ Treat event hosted by the Smithtown Historical Society that took place from Oct. 25 through Halloween each night from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
For those who dared, hundreds of attendees took a spooktacular walk along the haunted trail while little ones gazed upon Halloween displays and live animals. Along the walk, there were playful skeletons and friendly witches, and kids were able to trick-or-treat safely, all while having fun surprises at each turn.
Priya Kapoor, executive director of the Smithtown Historical Society, said this is the Historical Society’s first year hosting the event. The society cleared out a lot of wooded areas, and recently put in a trail behind their buildings. Kapoor thought it would be the perfect location for the event.
She explained, “The setting was screaming for us to do a Halloween event, so we decided to give it a try to keep the Halloween spookiness alive and bring the community together for a night of family fun.”
Local vendors were plentiful, selling warm drinks and treats, handmade jewelry, candles and food. Children enjoyed two bounce houses, Halloween crafts, face painting, pumpkin picking and live music, all while having a ghoulishly good time.
Ever since she was a little girl, Haley Van Cott, a college student from Stony Brook, has made her own jewelry. She decided to turn her hobby into a business to help offset college costs and now sells her creations at vendor events throughout Long Island.
One new vendor, Kim Mortensen from Nesconset, started selling candles when she became disabled and could no longer work full-time. Believing in repurposing items, she took unused candles in her home, melted them down, bought soy wax and began making her own unique scented candles and fire starters. Mortensen puts her phone number under the cover of each candle and tells customers that when the candle wax is finished burning, they can return the candle to her house and take a new one free of charge.
Visitors also had a chance to get up close and personal with sheep, goats, bunnies and even horses along the trail walk. Diana Schneider, farm manager for the historical society, said she has more than 20 volunteers who help her take care of the many animals on the farm each day. She and her staff also provide educational programs on the farm during the school year.
John and Samantha Capono of Northport came with their children, Matteo, Gianni and Stella, all dressed as Ninja Turtles, and wanted to stay for more candy and fun. He said, “The atmosphere was mysterious but welcoming and was perfect for families to enjoy together.”
Robin Ward said she was babysitting her three grandchildren from Nassau County and decided to bring them to the event to show the kids that Suffolk County is fun.
The Smithtown Historical Society, often called “Smithtown’s hidden gem,” has been serving the community since 1955. The society is committed to the preservation, restoration and interpretation of Long Island’s heritage for the education and enjoyment of the public. For more information, visit smithtownhistorical.org.
