McALESTER — On Sept. 30, the staff of McAlester News-Capital was invited to attend the Castle of Muskogee’s Halloween Festival.

There were 10 attractions, and a reporter tried out two of them.

There were staff that were being rude for comic relief, like a very enjoyable young lady running the Casa Morte entrance.

First, the reporter visited Casa Morte and was very pleased with the experience, startled by surprises hidden throughout.

Even mentally preparing oneself for the possibility of surprises did not help prevent quick bursts of terror.

The second attraction was the Domus Horrificus. To keep from ruining the surprise, there will be no information shared as to what was in there. Domus Horrificus is in a class of its own.

People who have epilepsy and are sensitive to flashing lights should be aware that Domus Horrificus has many. Guests who suffer are also cautioned.

Casa Morte was deemed to be wheelchair accessible and was spacious.

There were many shops and interesting items, too. A 12 ounce cup of pop cost $2 and a popular energy drink cost $3.

The Halloween Festival has been held every year at 3400 Fern Mountain Road in Muskogee in the same location at the Castle in Muskogee, according to Castle representative Karen Cunningham.

This year’s season started Friday and continues throughout October on Friday and Saturday nights from 6 to 10 p.m. Halloween Land will be open Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Events vary, from “not scary” to “really scary,” and some are wheelchair accessible.

The Halloween Festival events are:

• Halloween Village (not scary): Admission is free to Halloween Village. There will be hot and cold drinks, food, shops, ghost stories, fortune tellers, music, games and monsters. The village is wheelchair-accessible and children 15 and under must be accompanied by a parent.

• Pumpkin Kingdom (not scary): Child friendly, this includes a hay ride that can be taken through the village, pumpkin purchases, a petting zoo and a hay maze. To schedule schools, call 918-687-3625.

• Halloween Land (not scary): A safe “trick or treat’ zone for children, Halloween Land is a carnival with no scares. Adults who accompany children do not need a ticket. This event is wheelchair-accessible and costs $4.

• Enchanted Boardwalk (not scary): The Boardwalk, with more than 200 Halloween inflatables and fairies, is wheelchair-accessible and costs $2.

• Pirate Stage (not scary): There will be a variety of child-friendly live entertainment and the stage is wheelchair-accessible. Events cost $8 for adults and $5 for children 12 and under.

• Torture Chamber (scary): A medieval times dungeon torture scene, the Chamber is wheelchair-accessible and costs $2.

• Ultimate Maze (scary): Costs $8 for adults and $5 for children 12 and under.

• Haunted Hayride (scary): A ride through the Castle grounds, the Haunted Hayride costs $10 for adults and $7 for children 12 and under.

• Casa Morte (really scary): A journey through the labyrinth of the medieval castle and into the cemetery, the Casa Morte is wheelchair-accessible and costs $8.

• Domus Horrificus (really scary): Halloween spook house. There are a variety of characters from horror movies and the cost is $8.

• Trail of Blood (not for the faint of heart): A stroll through the haunted woods at night and through a cemetery, the Halloween Festival said this event is “not recommended for the faint of heart.” The cost is $10.

The Festival offers package deals as well:

• Child Fun Pack: Hayride, Ultimate Maze, Torture Chamber, Pirate Stage and Enchanted Boardwalk $15.

• Adult Fun Pack: Hayride, Ultimate Maze, Torture Chamber, Pirate Stage and Enchanted Boardwalk $20.

• Fright Combo: Casa Morte, Domus Horrificus, Trail of Blood and Ultimate Maze $25.

Parking is free. Advance tickets may be purchased on any non-festival day up to Oct. 27. For ticket purchase and more information visit www.OKCastle.com.

Contact MJ Brickey at mjbrickey@mcalesternews.com.