It's the season of candy corn, costumes and scary stories, and the Bismarck-Mandan area is ready to celebrate. The offerings range from a haunted fort to parties.

"Rumors have been around for a long time that the fort holds spirits, both good and bad," said Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park manager Dan Schelske. "A lot of creepy things have gone on here."

Throughout the park's long history, various people have claimed sightings of a silhouette holding a glowing lantern in the Custer House billiards room. Schelske said this is thought to be Libbie Custer gazing toward the Little Bighorn in anticipation of husband Lt. Col. George A. Custer. "(The fort) has so much history - who knows?" he said. "Iknow myself. Walking on the bridge on a calm day, Ihear pretty weird sounds."

Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park will open its doors at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday for its sixth annual Haunted Fort occasion. The park, home to numerous speculated ghost sightings, will sell tickets until 11 p.m. both days. Thrill-seekers will be put into small groups which tour each building. They "can expect to scream a lot,"Schelske said. Tickets are $7.

While the Haunted Fort is intended for older teens, kids can enjoy the Children's Halloween Bash from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday. Activities will include Halloween-themed games for a younger audience.

In addition, the High Prairie Arts and Science Complex, 1810 Schafer St., will host "Haunting Arts and Spooktacular Science," a Halloween-themed learning experience for kids of all ages, from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. Oct. 25. "(The event) gets kids excited for Halloween," said Beth Demke, Arts and Science Complex executive director. This is the science center's first Halloween event since its expansion to the arts and science complex.

Tickets for the various activities will be sold "carnival style"so "kids can pick and choose what they would like to do,"Demke said. Attendees may select science activities in "Spooktacular Science" or activities surrounding visual, theater and musical arts in "Haunting Arts." Demke said the activities can include "the whole family."

An 8- to 14-year-old cast will perform "Welcome to the Haunted House" as part of the day's festivities at the complex. The play, which consists of a cast of 27 kids, is about a field trip gone awry as students and their teacher end up stranded at a haunted house. Shade Tree Players program manager Jennifer Tosner said the play "is going to be a fantastic, affordable event for families." Performances will be at 1:30, 2:30 and 3:30 p.m. Oct. 25.

Preschool through sixth-grade kids also can enjoy Bismarck Parks and Recreation's 23rd annual All-City Halloween Party at 6 p.m. Oct. 24 at the World War Memorial Building. After an entrance fee of $1, kids can enjoy carnival games, face painting and music. The Memorial Building is located in Bismarck at 215 N. Sixth St. The event is seeking volunteers - those interested can call Ranae Ball at 222-6455 for more information.

(Reach Brian Jackson at brian.jackson@;bismarcktribune.com.)