Sarah Dube
Halloween may look a little different in Lakeland, but businesses are finding ways to celebrate the spooky holiday.
Normally, downtown Lakeland would be hosting a variety of Halloween events, like their Halloween party in Munn Park.Lots of these events have been cancelled, but that doesn’t mean that there aren’t still safe Halloween events that are inexpensive and fun.
Silvermoon Drive-In is showing Halloween classics 7 nights a week until Halloween night. Once can catch classics like Hocus Pocus, Nightmare Before Christmas and Friday the 13th for only $6 per person. Tickets include two movies, back to back. Films can be viewed from the comfort of a car.
However, if patrons decide to grab a snack at the concession stand, masks are required and there are six-foot markers in the queue line.
The Polk Theater will also be showing Halloween classics throughout the month. Masks are required inside the theater and it is only open to 40% capacity.
This way, the public can watch classic horror films like The Omen, Poltergeist and Halloween on the big screen while being socially distanced. Tickets for these experiences are available for purchase online or in person for only $6.
In addition, the theater has put up plexiglass partitions at the box office and at the concession stand. All of the additional guidelines are listed on their website.
“We constantly monitor all official resources to have the most up-to-date information available to continue to keep everyone safe,” the Polk Theater website says, “Governor DeSantis announced that Florida will be entering Phase 3 of reopening the state. It is still recommended that we continue with limited social distancing. We ask that you respect others while making sure you are safe.”
For those interested in live music, there will be an all-day, outdoor concert series on Oct. 31. Halloween Is Dead is a series of live performances as a tribute to Grateful Dead. The event starts at 11 a.m. and lasts until 11 p.m. at Maddox Ranch, here in Lakeland. Ticket prices vary based on how involved the visitor would like to be in the experience, but prices start as low as $20.
“Maddox Ranch leases the land to promoters and I have been assured that all precautions are being taken,” Lynne Maddox, one of the owners of the ranch said. These precautions include adequate social distancing and masks
For more events, you can visit Downtown Lakeland’s Website or The City of Lakeland’s Website.
