FISHERS, Ind. (Sept. 30, 2009) – Headless Horseman is returning to Conner Prairie Interactive History Park, Indiana’s only Smithsonian Affiliate, on Oct. 16 & 17, 21-25 and 28-30. The 26th annual Headless Horseman will feature the popular haunted hayride with the Headless Horseman of Sleepy Hollow, plus spooky storytelling, puppet shows and the Disney movie “Legend of Sleepy Hollow.”

New this year, guests can sing Halloween tunes karaoke-style with scary-o-ke, interact with paranormal investigators and meet live creepy critters. 1859 Balloon Voyage will be flying during Headless Horseman (weather permitting) to provide guests an opportunity to experience the spooky sites from 350 feet in the air. Guests can also enjoy caramel apples, apple cider, kettle corn and s'mores around the campfire.

Special programs include:

• Paranormal Investigators
Oct. 16 & 17; 7 & 8 p.m.
Indiana SPI and Quest Paranormal Research will explain their equipment as well as the process and protocol of performing an investigation and a behind-the-scenes peak at the paranormal. 

• Spidey Sense
Oct. 21 & 22; 7 & 8 p.m.
The fascinating world of spiders will come alive as visitors learn about spiders found in Indiana. Interactive activities featuring spider webs, habitats and spider fun facts will allow guests to get up close with the real creepy creatures. 

• Creepy Critters
Oct 23 & 24; 7 & 8 p.m.
Snakehead Ed will feature creepy critters like snakes, tarantulas and scorpions in his presentations. He will also bust many of the myths people have about these fascinating creatures. 

• Bats: Myths & Realities
Oct. 28-30: 7 & 8 p.m.
Terri Warne, bat rehabilitator and director of Bat World South Indy, will share her love of bats with Headless Horseman guests. Her program, featuring a live bat, will shed light on the myths and mysteries surrounding these little creatures and why their role in our ecosystem is so important.

Conner Prairie is looking for award-winning scarecrows for display during Headless Horseman. Prizes will be given for the most creative and most historic or traditional scarecrow. Entries must be received by Tuesday, Oct. 6 at 5 p.m. An entry form and additional details can be found at connerprairie.org.

Headless Horseman presale tickets are available beginning Oct. 1 at participating Marsh and O'Malia stores. Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday tickets are $7 presale and $9 at the gate. Friday and Saturday tickets are $11 presale and $13 at gate. Gates are open 6 to 9 p.m. nightly and hayride times are distributed on a first-come, first-serve basis. Basic-level members are free Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday nights. Plus-level members are free every night.

New this year, guests can extend their Headless Horseman fun with an overnight adventure. Be a special guest on a reserved wagon ride, a balloon flight (weather permitting), at an evening campfire, a night hike and more. Friday, Oct. 16 is for families and Friday, Oct. 23, is for youth groups. Reservations must be made by Friday, Oct. 2. Times are 6:30 p.m. Friday through 9:30 a.m. Saturday. Prices are $45 per person ($40 per member). For additional details, please visit connerprairie.org or call 317.776.6006 for reservations.

Headless Horseman is made possible with support from our corporate sponsors. Presenting sponsor for this year’s Conner Prairie Headless Horseman is Duke Energy. Additional sponsors include Reynolds Farm Equipment and Marsh Supermarkets.

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Conner Prairie interactive history park, created by Eli Lilly in 1934, is Indiana’s only Smithsonian Affiliate. Families of today engage, explore and discover what it was like to live and play in Indiana’s past. Explore five themed historic areas on 200 beautiful, wooded acres including the newest exhibit, 1859 Balloon Voyage. This exhibit educates guests about Indiana’s aviation history and culminates with a voyage 350 feet above the prairie in a tethered helium balloon. Every visit is a unique adventure that provides an authentic look into the history that shapes us today. Admission to Conner Prairie is $12 adult, $11 senior, $8 youth (ages 2-12) and free for members and children under 2. Balloon voyage fee is $15 for non-members and $12 for members. A $5 off coupon is available at BP am/pm convenience stores. For a list of participating stores or for more information about Conner Prairie visit www.connerprairie.org or call 317.776.6006 or 800.966.1836.

Media Contact: Angela Tuell, Public Relations Manager
(office) 317.214.4732, (cell) 410.430.9518, Tuell@connerprairie.org