The UA Civic Association is gearing up to serve a mix of frights and delights with its annual Golden Bear Scare event, slated to transform Smith Nature Park into a haunted forest. The spooky affair is scheduled to run from 6-9 pm, Monday through Wednesday, October 27-29, welcoming kids and their families for a bewitching evening, according to the UA Civic Association's official announcement, in a statement obtained by the City of Upper Arlington.
Geared towards a wide audience, the event suggests that families with elementary-aged children should ideally visit between 6-7:30 pm for a less intimidating experience. Post 7:30 pm, the ambience promises to become adequately scarier, befitting those seeking an extra thrill. Scare rangers will be on hand to guide small groups through the haunted park and share tales about the enigmatic occurrences that befall the forest during this time of year.
In keeping with community spirit, the association has set forth a set of rules designed to preserve the safety and integrity of the event. Visitors are urged to respect the forest and its haunted inhabitants, to avoid physical contact, to stay on the marked paths, to use no flashlights on the tour, to stow away cell phones, and to ensure all children are accompanied by an adult at all times. This information is laid out in the association's statement, emphasizing the need for cooperation to maintain the event's festive spirit.
With the popularity of the Golden Bear Scare growing, guests are encouraged to arrive ahead of the 9 pm cutoff to secure their passage through the haunted environs. Parking is scarce at the site itself, so nearby neighborhood parking will be essential, and although police will be present to assist with traffic management, caution is advised. Attendees are recommended to bring a flashlight or wear reflective clothing to improve visibility when walking to and from the park.
