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AMES -- More than 1,000 hand-carved jack-o’-lanterns, a Trick or Treat Trail and a visit from the Mid-Iowa Ghostbusters await! When the sun goes down, Reiman Gardens, 1407 University Blvd., Ames, will glow with the return of its highly anticipated annual event -- Spirits in the Gardens -- taking place from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Oct. 9 and 10 and from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Oct. 11. This family-friendly fall celebration promises an enchanting experience for guests of all ages, blending seasonal charm with a touch of Halloween magic.
Guests can wander lantern-lit paths past more than 1,000 jack-o-lanterns carved by community volunteers and staff, with plenty of photo ops along the way. Special highlights of this year’s event include:
• Pumpkin Displays & Lighted Pathways: Enjoy a collection of creatively carved pumpkins lighting up the autumn evenings, complete with Hollusion dancing video projections, glowing orbs and giant inflatable characters. Follow a glowing pumpkin trail through the gardens with Sycamore Falls lit up as a backdrop.
• Ghostbusters (Saturday and Sunday): The Mid-Iowa Ghostbusters will bring the cinematic fun of the Ghostbusters movie to Reiman Gardens with a replica of the ECTO-1 Ford Station Wagon. The enormous 50-foot Stay Puft Marshmallow Man will also be making his debut appearance all weekend long (weather permitting).
• Costumes Welcome: Guests of all ages are encouraged to dress up and show off their best Halloween spirit, and candy will be available at the end of the route.
Tickets can be purchased online at reimangardens.com/spirits. Early ticket purchase is recommended as this event is expected to sell out.