Morrill Hall's 'Fright at the Museum' set for Oct. 26-27

            The University of Nebraska State Museum's first "Fright at the Museum" event will be from 5 to 9 p.m. Oct. 26 and 27 at Morrill Hall, south of 14th and Vine streets on the University of Nebraska-Lincoln City Campus.

            This two-day Morrill Hall-O-Ween celebration is for children and their families. Visitors will be scared silly on the museum's Three Tiers of Terror. Each floor will have spook-tacular activities, including hands-on games, live creatures of the night, candy giveaways, spooky surprises, music and more. Leave your coat at the door and show off your costumes. Bring a bag for loads of candy and ghoulish goodies. The Mueller Planetarium show "Sea Monsters" will be shown at 6, 7 and 8 p.m.

            Regular museum admission will be charged. Doors open at 5 p.m. Children must be accompanied by adults. Tickets will be required to participate in certain games. A packet of game tickets will be provided at the front desk at no additional charge. There is an additional fee for planetarium show tickets. Visitor parking is free in the loop south of 14th4 and Vine streets. For more information on the event, visit www.museum.unl.edu/fright.

            The Three Tiers of Terror are "Super Fun," "Spooky" and "Seriously Scary." Here is a sampling of what to expect on each floor:

            The "Super Fun" first floor is for all ages.

• Tarantulas and gross science with the UNL Biology Club
• Bugs from the UNL Department of Entomology
• Owls and vulture from Raptor Recovery
• Bean bag toss and ladder ball games
• Dino Disco

            The second "Spooky" floor is for all ages.

• Candy Catapult
• Black Light Room
• Candy Cascade
• Mesozoic Monster Room (This area is best for ages 6 and up)

            The "Seriously Scary" third floor is recommended for ages 9 and up with a parent or guardian. There will be zombies and other scary fun.

            Pepsi and ConAgra Foods are Fossil Funder sponsors of this event. Other contributors include the Friends of the Museum, KOLN-KGIN-TV Channel 10/11, State Troopers Association of Nebraska, UNL Biology Club, UNL Department of Entomology, Safe Kids Lincoln-Lancaster County, Oriental Trading Company, Hy-Vee, Lincoln Zombie Walk, Spirit Halloween, Party America and a host of volunteers.

            Established in 1871, the University of Nebraska State Museum is celebrating its 140th anniversary with special promotions and educational events throughout the year. Hours are 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday-Wednesday and Friday-Saturday; 9:30 a.m.-8 p.m. Thursdays; and 1:30-4:30 p.m. Sundays. Regular museum admission is $5 for adults (19 and over), $3 for children (5-18 years, 4 and under are free), and $10 for families (up to two adults and children). UNL staff, faculty, and students are admitted free with valid NU ID. Tickets sold at the museum front desk the day of the event. No advance ticket sales. Planetarium tickets are $3 adults, $2.50 children 18 and under. Parking is free. For further information, telephone the museum at (402) 472-2642 or visit www.museum.unl.edu.

Writer: Dana Ludvik