It’s that time of year ... time for spine-tingling occurrences that stop you in your tracks ... the sudden cry of a raven, the call of a barred owl in the dark of night ... the howl of a coyote,  the hoarse “scream” of a fox ... the cry of a fisher cat ... dancing leaves that spin ’round your leg before moving on ... a sudden cold breeze – or worse, disembodied breath in your ear ... Insert maniacal laughter here ...

Yes, it is Halloween, the “spirited” time of year when you can be sure you are never truly walking alone ... even when you aren’t in the dark! Speaking of seasonal terrors, check out the following events and get your fear on! Most of the following are for ages 13 and up.

Augusta - GHOST HUNT with Central Maine Ghost Hunters - At Colonial Theater, 139 Water St. on Oct. 28. Choose “witch” time is best for you: 5, 6:30, or 8 p.m. for ghost hunter training and tools of the trade followed by a small guided tour of the theater in search of the paranormal. No children under 12 (suggested) also, all thrill seekers will need to be able to climb stairs.

Farmington - FRIGHT FEST - Farmington Maine Fairgrounds Right across from Ron's Market on High Street. Parking on Maple Avenue only. Three separate terrifying haunted houses in one location: Granny Grimm's House where fairytales come to life and become nightmares; The Crematorium, and Mr. Marbles’ Maze. Oct. 20 and 21, 27-29. $25 per person. For ages 13 and up only.

Union - TRAIL OF TERROR - Union Fairgrounds. Oct. 13, 14, 20, 21, 27 and 28. 6:30-8:30 p.m. For humans 13 years or older (unless parents think their younger children are up to it). $15 per person - buy tickets at the fairgrounds the night of.  FMI: www.facebook.com/UFTrailofTerroror the Union Fair Facebook page for more information.

Saco - CARNEVIL OF TERROR/TRAIL OF TERROR - Aquaboggan Water Park, Portland Road - 6:30-9:30 p.m. - Every Friday and Saturday in October, and Sunday, Oct. 29; Monday, Oct. 30 and Tuesday, Oct. 31. Tickets $20 - buy at https://trailofterrormaine.com

Boothbay Harbor - HAUNTED GHOST WALK TOUR - American Ghost Walks tour unveils more hair-raising tales, from the enigmatic Opera House to the haunted B&Bs of Boothbay Harbor. Explore supernatural hotspots and delve into local paranormal mysteries. Oct. 16-31 at 7 p.m. / 90 minutes. All tickets must be purchased in advance:.https://rb.gy/11wd5. Meeting place revealed at time of purchase. Rain or shine.

Website for true fright seekers: www.halloweennewengland.com/maine/haunted-houses

Tamer Halloween fun for the kiddos and some of the adults out there ...

Boothbay Harbor - HALLOWEEN WALK - Costumed kids, parents, grandparents set out from Boothbay Harbor Memorial Library, 4 Oak St. for a trick or treat parade through town. 4-5 p.m.

Boothbay - THE RAILWAY SPECTACULAR! Boothbay Railway Village Museum, 586 Wiscasset Road/Route 27. Train rides, tricks and treats - bring your own bag -  carnival games! Saturday, Oct. 28. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. FMI: https://railwayvillage.org

Southport- A VERY SOUTHPORT HALLOWEEN - Tuesday, Oct. 31: The Community Party – for all generations - at Robinson’s Wharf (20 Hendricks Hill Road/Route 27, Southport): music, games, and food for dinner at 4 p.m. Costumes encouraged, but optional. From there it’s time for Southport trick-or-treating: visit the houses on the provided "passport" and be entered to win a prize! Organized by the Southport Island Association. Questions answered here: southporthalloween@gmail.com.

Woolwich - CARNEVIL HAUNTED HOUSE  - And younger set can play carnival games, tricks and treats, a bouncy house, spooky kid maze. Oct. 27 and 28. Carnival open 4-9 p.m. Haunted house ($5) open 5-9 p.m. A fundraiser for Rescue Charlie’s Friends. Proceeds go toward the transportation and medical costs to save more dogs. 90 Road B. 

Wiscasset - NIGHTMARE ON FEDERAL STREET - Tuesday, Oct. 31 - Halloween parade: lineup at 4 p.m. in the parking lot at Wiscasset Elementary School, 4:30 p.m. Parade on Federal Street; then comes the block party, with live music, food, Trunk or Treat; and a costume contest.

Yes, it’s the time of year when the slightest unexpected breeze becomes a hair-raising moment. As Halloween approaches, the veil between this world and the next becomes thinner ... You never can be too sure of who or what might be standing or hovering right next to you ...

In the dark ... In the night ... (insert that maniacal laughter again ...)