Halloween Events in the River Towns -- by the Half Moon Press

October, 1997 issue

`Legend Weekend' Features Tale of Headless Horseman Halloween and the Hudson River Towns of Westchester County have been linked ever since Washington Irving set his famous story, "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" in this "haunted hollow", now known as Sleepy Hollow.

More than a century has passed since Irving's death, but the Legend gains in popularity every year. "Legend Weekend," is celebrated this year on October 24, 25 and 26 at historic Philipsburg Manor in Sleepy Hollow; Sunnyside in Tarrytown and at Van Cortlandt Manor in Croton-on-Hudson. Day and evening events are scheduled throughout the weekend, including haunted nights at Philipsburg Manor, an evening of scary tales at Sunnyside, a Harvest Ball at Van Cortlandt Manor and more.

Legend Weekend at Philipsburg Manor Philipsburg Manor presents special Legend Weekend programs during the evening on Friday and Saturday, October 24 - 25, from 6 - 9 p.m. (last admission 8 p.m.). The grounds are transformed into a haunted landscape for an evening of entertainment that has become one of the most popular events of the year. As visitors explore the grounds, eerily lit with candles and bonfires, they will encounter a chilling selection of ghouls, witches and other characters from Hudson Valley folklore. The Headless Horseman himself, riding a black stallion, appears in the back pasture. The barn is decorated with pumpkins and hay bales, where storyteller Jonathan Kruk will recount "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" and other tales. Refreshments are available indoors and out.

For visitors who prefer to experience the excitement of Legend Weekend in the safety of daylight, when the ghouls are resting, Philipsburg Manor is open from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. (last admission 3 p.m.) on Saturday and Sunday. Children enjoy pumpkin carving, a craft activity, and shelling corn to grind in the water-powered grist mill. Philipsburg Manor offers special showings of an animated film version of "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" throughout the day.

The area surrounding Philipsburg Manor , including the adjacent Old Dutch Church, was the scene of the famous chase during "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" in which Ichabod Crane was pursued by the Headless Horseman. Visitors may stroll across the street for a look at this well-known graveyard, where Washington Irving himself is buried.

Legend Weekend at Sunnyside Washington Irving lived at Sunnyside, a picturesque cottage along the shore of the Hudson River in Tarrytown, during the mid-19th century. The historic site is the perfect place to sample Legend Weekend activities, especially for families, on Saturday and Sunday, October 25 and 26 from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Highlights of the daytime programs at Sunnyside include readings of Irving's stories, scarecrow-making, children's games, woodland walks with scary tales, including "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" and "Rip Van Winkle." Food will be available for purchase throughout the day, with picnic tables and fall scenery provided.

Adults who are in the Halloween spirit themselves may want to pay a return visit to Sunnyside on Friday night when Sunnyside presents an evening of chilling stories told by renowned actor and comedian Robert Klein. The evening's events are scheduled from 7:30 - 9:30 p.m., with stories beginning at 8 p.m. Guests can also enjoy candlelight tours of Washington Irving's cottage and a reception. Tickets for the Robert Klein reading are $15.

Legend Weekend at Van Cortlandt Manor On Saturday, October 25, Van Cortlandt Manor recreates the Harvest Ball from "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow." It was at this party that Ichabod Crane danced with Katrina Van Tassel in Legend. Visitors are invited to come in costume and join in the fun, as all the favorite characters from the Legend are present in costume themselves. Van Cortlandt Manor is transformed into the fictional Van Tassel Mansion for the occasion. There will be music, dancing and children's games from 6-9 p.m.

The Harvest Ball will take place in a tent behind the Manor House and the house itself will be open for candlelight tours. Other activities include storytelling, fortune telling, and more. "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" will be shown on video tape throughout the evening. 18th century country dancing will be demonstrated and 18th century treats will be available. Food will be offered for sale at Van Cortlandt Manor by Jan and Volker's Country Catering.

Legend Weekend is generously sponsored by Hitachi America Ltd.

Admission to Legend Events
Daytime events:
Sunnyside: (10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sat. & Sun.) $8 adults, $7 seniors, $5 children (6-17), children under 6 are free.
Philipsburg Manor: (10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sat. & Sun. - last admission 3 p.m.) $8 adults, $7 seniors, $5 children (6-17), children under 6 are free.

Nighttime events:
Philipsburg Manor: (6-9 p.m. Fri. and Sat. haunted grounds - last admission 8 p.m.) $8 adults, $7 seniors, $5 children (6-17), children under 6 are free.
Van Cortlandt Manor: (6-9 p.m. Sat.) $8 adults, $7 seniors, $5 children (6-17), children under 6 are free.
Sunnyside: (6-10 p.m. Fri.) Adult tales by Robert Klein, candlelight tour and reception starting at 6:30 p.m. $15 per person. Advance reservations strongly suggested.

Historic Hudson Valley may be reached at 914-631-8200. During Legend Weekend, the sites may be reached directly, Sunnyside: 914-591-8763; Philipsburg Manor: 914-631-3992; Van Cortlandt Manor: 914-271-8981.