Halloween is a season of contrasts. It is a time when innocent little children in Spiderman costumes knock on doors to adorably ask for candy, and sometimes tell a joke. And it is also a time when crazed, blood-dripping maniacs chase you through dark cornfields with a chainsaw.
There's not a lot of crossover between the two extremes. This month, the St. Louis area is stuffed as full as a trick-or-treat bag with all sorts of Halloween events to delight and enchant everyone from children hyped up on sugar to adults exploring their darker sides.
Among the month's best options are: Cobb Factory Haunted House When: Various times, Fridays-Sundays (and Thursday, Oct. 31), through Nov. 2 Where: 141 East Main Street, Old Monroe, Missouri How much: $30 More info: panicfest.
com The story they tell about the slaughter of a whole family is fictional, but it helps set the tone for this professional haunted house. Scary clowns, blood-splattered victims and horror movie favorites will greet you at a mine, a cavern, Purgatory and a cabin in the woods. Creepyworld Haunted House When: Various times and dates through Nov.
2 Where: 1400 South Old Highway 141, Fenton How much: $33.95 More info: creepyworld.com What the creators say is the biggest and longest screampark in America gets bigger and longer this year, with 13 attractions including Fright High, Brigantine Asylum, Bobo's Slaughter House and St.
Lucifer's Hospital. The Darkness Haunted House When: Various times and dates through Nov. 2 Wh.