I am married to a man who is obsessed with growing The Great Pumpkin. The end of the growing season is near and the weigh-off showcasing Colorado’s biggest pumpkins is on September 28th at Jared’s Nursery in Littleton.

To try to make sense of the madness, I am kicking off Mile High Mamas’ Halloween season by offering four tickets to Elitch’s Fright Fest to the person who is the closest to guessing his pumpkin’s weight. Because I am a nice wife and want to help promote his obsession.

But mostly I just want to get him off my back.

The only thing scarier than the amount of time he has spent nurturing his orange monstrosity is when Elitch Gardens transforms from theme park to “scream” park in October. From haunted houses to a free Trick-or-Treat Trail, there’s something for the whole family to enjoy. Fright Fest 2008 runs Fridays 5-10 p.m., Saturdays 12-10 p.m. and Sundays 12-9 p.m. weekends in October through Nov. 1st. Some highlights:

“Monster-less Matinee”- The little ones can enjoy our Screams haunted house with the lights on! Held during the day intended for all ages, without actors, lights on, and a scary scenic walk-thru.

Trick-or-Treat Trail – Take a trip down the Trick-or-Treat Trail at this year’s Fright Fest! Bring the kids to enjoy this decorated fun path around Scaretoon Studios with stops along the way to collect some tasty Halloween treats. It’s a great way for kids to get in on the Halloween fun at Elitch Gardens! There will also be a just-for-kids haunted house in Scaretoon Studios that promises to be a perfect combination of spooky and silly.

October 18, 1:00 p.m. — Pet Parade Costume Contest

October 25-26 — Boo Gardens is a kid-friendly celebration with parkwide trick-or-treating each day. Enjoy everything Elitch Gardens and Fright Fest have to offer while safely trick-or-treating. There will be something for all ages of the family to enjoy.
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Haunted Processional- At dusk each night, this processional of zombies, demons and ghouls makes its way through the park, indicating to guests that evil is about to take over. The faint of heart should make their way out, because from here on, it’s no holds barred. For families who choose to stay, whistles will be provided to children so they can scare away any unwanted spooks.

Screams- A more traditional haunted house. Okay for all ages. Mummies, Ghosts, Spiders, etc. Frightening, but not gruesome. Minimal blood, no gore.

Brutal Planet- Approx. 6500 sq ft haunted house in the Trocadero theater. An industrial realm overrun with zombies and demons from your worst nightmares. Comprised of new and classic Brutal Planet scares. Blood and gore. Not recommended for children under 8 years of age.

Scare Zones / Park Walkers- Just because you’re not in a haunted attraction doesn’t mean you’re safe. At dusk, the midway will become infested living scarecrows, moss monsters, Sparker minions, psychos with chainsaws and more.

To enter, simply email us at with “Fright Fest” in the subject line. Also include your guess for the pumpkin’s weight (hint: it is between 500 – 1,000 pounds) and your mailing address. Contest deadline is September 27, 2008.

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