History's horrors come alive at All Hallows Eve

At Naper Settlement, it's usually history that comes alive.

But for two nights this weekend, some of the creepiest characters of the past will return from the grave, from horror films and from spooky literature.

All Hallows Eve: Village of Fear features frights from 6:30 to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Oct. 17 and 18, throughout the museum village, 523 S. Webster St., Naperville.

"This event is special because we haunt the entire 12 acres here at Naper Settlement," Special Events Coordinator Amanda Fehrenbacher said. "It's one of my favorite events because I can get really creative in a different way. We have over 200 volunteers who help scare over 3,000 visitors throughout the weekend, which is amazing. "

New to this year's selection of scares will be Magical Starlight Theatre's hair-raising homage to Harry Potter, "Harry Potter and the Prophesy Revealed." The settlement's Century Memorial Chapel will be transformed into Hogwarts, where Harry shares with Ron and Hermione that he has had visions of Sirius being tortured.

"Magical Starlight Theatre is thrilled to be part of this community outreach for such a fun event," Director Kris Visher said. "Many of us have been preparing for this for over a year in creating the story, working the story, and creating the technical magic while we still deliver a story that is relatively true to the books."

Those brave enough to return to All Hallows Eve will recognize the spine-chilling laugh of Greg Siegel. He calls himself "Count Gregula," because he has been volunteering in a familiar role for six years in the scene known as "Dracula's Lair." He said he developed his diabolical laugh by listening to an old black-and-white horror movie, then practicing until he got it just right.

"The best reward is hearing the screams of sheer terror and surprise from the guests as I make my appearance and start hunting for fresh blood," Siegel said. "Second best is when someone contacts me after the event and tells me how much they enjoyed the experience. I also enjoy working with the other great volunteers."

Two new attractions this year are the Witch's Kitchen where, if they have the guts, guests can see what the witch is brewing, and a palm reader, who will be looking into the future at the Paw Paw Post Office.

Returning favorites include the Zombie Base maze, the torture chamber, the mummy's tomb, the underworld, Dr. Frankenstein's laboratory and the Salem witch trials.

Tickets are available at napersettlement.org or at the Naper Settlement Pre-Emption House Visitor Center. Tickets are $10 in advance, $15 at the gate. Members are free. This event is not suitable for those younger than 8 or who are easily scared. Costumes are not allowed.

For details, call (630) 420-6010.

If you go

What: All Hallows Eve: Village of Fear

When: 6:30 to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Oct. 17 and 18

Where: Naper Settlement, 523 S. Webster St., Naperville

Cost: $10 in advance, $15 at the door; free for members

Info: (630) 420-6010 or napersettlement.org