Shocktober

In 1872, builders placed the last piece of stone on Paxton Manor. At the time, there's no way they could have known what this mansion would become—or what would happen to its most infamous resident, Jedidiah Carver. A citizen of Leesburg, he was cast out for his crimes against animals and forced to dwell beneath the caverns of Paxton Manor. It's said that Jedidiah and his family still haunt the mansion today, and it's their whispers you may hear on a frightful walk through the house during Shocktober.

This Halloween event brings with it flashing lights and creepy noises, as visitors wander through halls lined in skeletons and actors dressed in gory makeup. Yet the haunted house's ghastly ways are truly all good fun; so much so, that visitors can opt to purchase glow-in-the-dark "Chicken" necklaces to ensure the performers take it easy. Proceeds benefit Paxton Campus, a nonprofit that provides direct services for people with disabilities and their families. Since its founding in 1922, Paxton Campus has served as a nurturing place for people in need. In the past 90 years, the center has grown into a sizable organization with an onsite preschool, one-on-one academic programs, and ALLY, an advocacy program for people with disabilities. To keep the community involved in its operations, Paxton Campus also runs regular events including yoga groups, seasonal dances, and life-skills workshops.