Lakewood Ranch's Boo Fest scheduled for this weekend

Lakewood Ranch's Boo Fest has long been one of the most popular family Halloween events in the area. It's become so popular, in fact, that this year it's moving from its longtime home on Main Street to the more spacious Premier Sports Campus.

Boo Fest is scheduled for 6-9 p.m. Friday. You're encouraged to dress in costume and participate in the costume parade.

Children can trick-or-treat a day early, and pick up goodies from Lakewood Ranch merchants and event sponsors.

The highlight is a haunted house, set up in a 900-square-foot blackened and enclosed tent. There's also a graveyard populated with shady characters that visitors can explore, and a coffin that the more adventurous Boo Fest patrons can reach inside to explore what lies within. For people whose tastes run to the less gruesome aspects of Halloween, there are photo opportunities at the pumpkin patch, and face painting and a photo booth. And in case the candy and other treats the youngsters will collect don't suit your palate, a wide selection of food and beverages will be available for purchase. Admission is free, but parking is $5.

Details: 6-9 p.m., Premier Sports Campus, 5895 Post Blvd., Lakewood Ranch. Admission: Free. Information: 941-757-1582, lwrcac.com.

--Marty Clear

This story was originally published October 28, 2015 at 5:01 PM with the headline "Lakewood Ranch's Boo Fest scheduled for this weekend ."