🦌 There’s nothing more New Hampshire than seeing a police cruiser chase a moose down a road. That actually happened in Keene recently. Check out the TikTok video.

Here’s what’s inside today’s newsletter:

👻 Four spooky haunted houses in New Hampshire

📅 Can’t-miss events for your calendar (there are so many this week!)

This newsletter is free as a winter snowstorm (but way easier to handle). Subscribe and share here.

By Dorothy Scott

👻 Haunted Overload — Lee
Set at DeMeritt Hill Farm, this award-winning haunted attraction is known for its massive handmade sets, towering creatures, and eerie atmosphere. Offers day haunts, full scares, and a one-night “Lights Out” event.

👻 The Dark Woods — Milford
Three levels of fright: the classic Dark Woods, the scarier Darker Woods, and the no-scare Trauma-Free Tour. Highly rated for its creativity and attention to detail.

👻 Fright Kingdom — Nashua
One of New England’s largest indoor haunted attractions, featuring five themed haunts under one roof, including Apocalypse Z, Bloodmare Manor, and Psycho Circus. Also offers a single-night low-scare option.

👻 The Salisbury Woods — Salisbury
 A community-driven haunted trail that donates proceeds to local arts and education programs. Features outdoor scenes, detailed props, and family-friendly frights at an affordable price.

The government shut down at midnight on Oct. 1 for the first time in six years after Congress reached an impasse on federal funding.

The main holdup? Republicans are trying not to extend health insurance subsidies that helped millions of low-income earners under the Affordable Care Act. The subsidies are set to expire at the end of this year.

Colin Booth broke down how the shutdown would ripple across New Hampshire—from delayed paychecks for federal workers to strains on small businesses and families.

So this week’s question is…

How do you feel about the shutdown and its fallout?

Here’s what you’re saying…

“The shutdown is painful and will have far-reaching consequences. One of them will be further decimation of the federal workforce. However, there comes a time when it is necessary to bite the bullet and resist the immortal and illegal actions of the mentally ill person we have put in place as our leader. In the future, our society will be judged by how well we cared for the unfortunate and less powerful citizens in our population. To paraphrase a well-known quote — ‘They came for the elderly and I did nothing because I was young. They came for the sick and I did nothing because I was healthy. Then they came for me.’” — JoAnn Carlson

“It’s more of the usual, the GOP is trying to screw all but the wealthy, and the Liberals are trying to look out for the more unfortunate low-income group. That’s right, I’m an independent! They need to come together, and they both suck!” — Michael Blackledge

🎃 Return of the Pumpkin People
Jackson — Oct. 1-31 
An annual townwide display of pumpkin people and fall-themed activities.
More info

🎃 35th Annual Milford Pumpkin Festival
Milford — Oct. 10-12
Downtown festival with food, entertainment, and family activities. Free admission.
More info

🍂 78th Annual Warner Fall Foliage Festival
Warner — Oct. 10-12
Annual festival with parades, music, food, crafts, and family activities.
More info

🎃 Pumpkin Festival at Charmingfare Farm
Candia — Oct. 11-13
Family festival featuring pumpkin picking, wagon rides, barrel train rides, scarecrow stuffing, corn play area, hay bale maze, farm animals, pony rides, costumed characters, live music, and demonstrations.
More info

🎶 Busker Festival
North Conway — Oct. 11-12
Street musicians perform bluegrass, jazz, and rock throughout Settlers Green, 11 a.m.–3 p.m. both days.
More info

🎃 Spooky Palooza Open House
Meredith — Oct. 11-12
Halloween-themed open house with staff in costume, food and drink, and merchandise promotions.
More info

🎡 Sandwich Fair
Sandwich — Oct. 11-13
Annual fair with rides, food, livestock shows, crafts, and family entertainment at the Sandwich Fairgrounds.
More info

🍺 Attitash Oktoberfest
Bartlett — Oct. 11
Fall celebration at the Attitash Base Area with craft brews, live music, traditional competitions, scenic rides, and family-friendly activities.
More info

🎃 Somersworth Pumpkin Festival
Somersworth — Oct. 11
Pumpkin-themed festival at Somersworth Plaza.
More info

🍂 Hay Day Fall Festival
Newbury — Oct. 12
Festival with games, music, children’s art projects, face painting, fairy house building, nature trails, and historic tours.
More info

🍺 Schwendi Fest
Waterville Valley — Oct. 12
Annual mountaintop event with scenic chairlift rides, BBQ, beverages, pumpkin painting, games, and foliage views at 3,600 feet.
More info

🌾 Indigenous Peoples’ Day
Warner — Oct. 13
Mt. Kearsarge Indian Museum hosts a free celebration with Native artists, exhibits, and cultural presentations.
More info

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Thanks for reading. This newsletter was written by Katy Savage with reporting by Dorothy Scott. It was edited by Paula Solis.

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