The grounds of the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire will get a little creepy when the faire hosts Halloween Days & Spooky Knights. The Halloween-themed weekends will run on Saturdays and Sundays, Oct. 16, 17, 23, 24, 30 and 31, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

"The fairgrounds lend themselves to autumn celebrations," noted Candace Smith, director of sales and communications, adding that the faire has held the Halloween events for several years. "It was a natural fit."

The weekends will feature all of the usual faire festivities, along with special holiday-themed activities, she stated. Smith set up the Halloween scenario, saying that through his privateering, Sir Walter Raleigh has brought prosperity and commerce to the Shire of Mount Hope, but he's also brought attention, and some of it is unwanted. "As ships laden with riches traverse the ... rivers and bays, a dark and hungry force begins to stir in the murky waters below, woken from its standing slumber and champing at the bit for blood," she related. "The various factions of the Shire will have to unite despite their differing beliefs and priorities to make use of all their resources, natural and otherwise to fight this supernatural threat." She encouraged people to visit the faire to find out: Will the humble magic of the Shire prevail or will all descend into unbridled chaos?

Along with the faire's traditional entertainment schedule, including live music, comedy shows and jousts, the weekends will feature Halloween elements. A "Nipperkins" costume contest will be held for children age 11 and under. Adults can also participate in a costume contest that will award prizes for both individual and group costumes. Additional activities will include a treasure hunt, where children will be invited to follow a map and search for buried treasure on the Shire, as well as trick-or-treat throughout the grounds. Fall and Halloween decorations will be on display as well, including Scratchy the pumpkin creature. "Scratchy is over two stories tall and greets people each season just inside the front gates," Smith stated.

She emphasized that visitors to the Renaissance Faire must purchase tickets online ahead of their visit, and that tickets are date specific. There are no gate sales. "Tickets can be purchased up to and including the day of the event, provided there is availability," she said, "and (you can) print or show your tickets from a mobile device."

For more information about Halloween Days and Spooky Knights, visit http://www.parenfaire.com.