This time of year fans of Halloween can find plenty to do in the Dundee area with events ranging from a masquerade ball and haunted attractions to pumpkin contests and pancake breakfasts.

On Oct. 31, the day’s fun begins with Allegiance Youth Color Guard of Dundee’s “Halloween Pancake Breakfast & Bake Sale Fundraiser,” from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at VFW Post 2298, 117 South First Street in West Dundee.

The 17th Annual Pumpkin Contest, sponsored by the Dundee Township Visitors Center on Oct. 31, will be held from 8 a.m. to noon; at The Depot in East Dundee and features both a “Largest Pumpkin Contest” and a “Decorating Contest” with hundreds of dollars of contest monies to be awarded.

“Boo at the Zoo” takes place 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Dundee Township Park District’ Randall Oaks Zoo.

Santa’s Village Azooment Park presents its “Harvest Fest” with costume contests and trick or treating weekends through October; open at 11 a.m.

The first-ever, “Masquerade Ball” for those over the age of 21, will also take place at East Dundee’s Depot on River St. on Saturday, Oct. 31; 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. and features small plates, holiday drinks; themed music, hearse and coffin, magic and creepy, crawly critters. Admission is free and provides a freestyle pub crawl map to continue the fun in Downtown Dundee.

Haunted attractions in the area include “Nightmare From North Street” at Santa’s Village in East Dundee, open from dark until 12 midnight Saturday, October 24 and Friday and Saturday, October 30 -31. “The Slaughter Haunted House” on Main St. in West Dundee opens its doors at 7p the weekend of October 24 and from Wednesday, October 28 through Saturday October 31.

“Fall is a great time of year to visit Dundee,” said Village President, Lael Miller. “We’ve got something for everyone who wants to have fun with their friends and family.”

For more information about all these holiday activities, please call (847)426-2255 or online at discoverdundee.org.

About the Village of East Dundee

The village of East Dundee offices are located at 120 Barrington Avenue, East Dundee, IL, which is home to 3,000 residents. Its downtown plan is to create a “culinary” district consisting of the right mix of restaurants, retail and community events to serve as a destination attraction for both residents and regional visitors. For more information on the plan, and all East Dundee events, please visit the community calendar on the village website at www.eastdundee.net.

About the Village of West Dundee

The village of West Dundee, with a population 7,331, offers a small town atmosphere and regional conveniences. The community is showcased by the beautifully maintained turn-of-the-century architecture in the downtown historic district, adjacent to the picturesque Riverwalk. For more information about the Village of West Dundee, please visit www.wdundee.org.